Imo FA Chairman mourns demise of Christian Chukwu, commiserates with NFF

Chairman of the Imo State Football Association, Barr Ifeanyi Dike has expressed sadness over the passing of Chief Christian Chukwu, erstwhile captain and coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Late Christian Chukwu MFR, was a former coach of the Super Eagles, was known for his robust style of play and commanding presence on and off the pitch during his years as a player. He captained the Green Eagles to win the 1980 African Cup of Nations hosted by Nigeria, which was the first of Nigeria’s three continental titles.

Dike said the Imo FA was pained by Chukwu’s demise even as he maintained that it was a huge loss to the football community and Nigeria as a whole.
“Chairman Christian Chukwu was an enigma, a force, and pride to football and it’s management. He distinguished himself on and off the pitch and remains one of the most celebrated stars Nigeria has produced. The Imo FA is pained by his passing though we know it is assigned to all mortals.
“Though he has gone the way of mortals, we are consoled by his indelible contribution to the development of football in Nigeria. Chukwu no doubt personally influenced many Nigerians to take to professional football because of his unique style which till date remains iconic.

“On behalf of the Imo State Football Association, and all football lovers in the state, I commiserate with the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, and the entire leadership of the National Sports Commission, the Chukwu family and all his well wishers.

“We pray the kind Lord to grant him eternal rest and grant us all, especially his immediate family, the fortitude to bear his passing”, Dike said.