Body of the late Nigerian football legend , former captain of the Rangers International football club,, Enugu, former captain of the Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles ,former Chief Coach of Rangers, Chairman, Christian Chukwu, was Saturday, August 16, interred to mother earth in his country home, Obe , Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The late Christian Chukwu was a former Technical Adviser of Rangers International football club ,and also a former Coach of the Keyan National team.
Paying his tribute to “Chairman Chukwu “, during the funeral service organised in honour of the late football legend at the St. Phillips Anglican church field,Obe, the Governor of Enugu state, Dr. Peter Mbah extolled the virtues of the late football legend. He described him as someone who was gentle, humble and dignified.
” The event is bringing to an end , the 10 day long events starting from the night of tributes in Lagos and Enugu.He said a a colloquium and other ceremonial activities were carried out in honour of the football icon.“
“For me, and I believe for so many, as well, it is difficult for one to have met Chairman without being inspired by his humility and simplicity.
Gov Mbah
“Without a doubt, he was disciplined, dignified, polite, and empathetic,” Governor Mbah said.
To the family he said, “As a government, we are going to always stand by you and ensure that Chukwu is immortalized for indeed he served and loved Enugu and Nigeria with all his heart.
“Let us be comforted by the remarkable memory and legacies he
left behind”, Mbah said..
Earlier in his sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev Professor Samuel Ike, lauded Christian Chukwu’s services and contributions to football development in Enugu, Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Going down history how Christian Chukwu started his football career, He the bishop highlighted his contributions to his alma-mater, National Grammar School,Nike, where his gentleness and commitment earned him the position of the school’s football team Captain, ., Rangers and Super Eagles former Captain. He said Christian Chukwu after retirement was employed as Rangers Coach, Chief Coach, Technical Adviser, former Coach of Heartland football club, and former Assistant Coach to the National team former Coach, Sebastian Broadrick.
Pix , Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma,Rtd saying the commendation prayer
The Bishop described him as a “strong man” that led his team on a journey, fought and won several battles , adding that, ” Christian Chukwu lived through the golden era”.
“Chukwu has won battles with Rangers, Super Eagles and others .The Lord has been gracious unto him through several battles; he was an all-rounded man, very generous, and his generosity extended to the family of St. Philip’s Church, Obe,” he said.
The Bishop said Chukwu won so many awards and in 1980, after winning the Nations Cup, together with many of his contemporaries, he was given the National Honour, Member Federal Republic (MFR).
“In 2012, he had an account of his remarkable achievement
and contribution to the development of football in the African continent and was given the prestigious African Football Legend Award,” Bishop Ike said.
Speaking further on the person of Christian Chukwu, Bishop Ike said, ” he traversed this sphere of life in various ways. His name followed him and his name still follows him.He won many awards and titles. He was very kind, compassionate, loving father and very generous.”.
Pix: Christian Chukwu ‘s family
He described Christian Chukwu as an exceptional person, one who had six Cs in his name, namely, Chief Coach, Coach, Chairman, Christian, Chukwuemeka,Chukwu. The Bishop noted that ,”there is dignity in a name”. He urged people to live a good life, do good ,work right with God and their prophetic name will remain with them.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the family, Christian Chukwu’ s son, Chukwuemeka Chukwu Jr., thanked the guests for honouring and paying last respect to their father.
Some of the dignitaries at the church service were the governor of Enugu state, former governor of Anambra state and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, President of the Senator representing Anambra Central, Sen. Victor Umeh.Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, represented by the Chairman of Nigeria National League, M George Aluo and Retired Anglican Archbishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev.Profesdor Emmanuel Chukwuma.
Others are Security Chiefs, House of Representative member representing Nkanu West and East Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, members of the Enugu Executive Council, Ex Rangers players, including the former African Number Goal keeper,Emmanuel Okala, former chairman,Enugu Sports Club, Sir Victor Atuonwo, Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Awgu, Rt. Rev Benson Chukwuwike among others.
Prayers were offered for the repose of the late football ball legend, and for God’s protection in his family.
His body was laid to rest in his country home at Obe
Christian Chukwu died on April 12, at the age of 74 after a protracted illness. .He was married with a wife, four children and grandchildren.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama