The Enugu State Government will Immortalize former Captain and Coach of Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, Late Christian Chukwu

Governor of the State, His Excellency Peter Ndubuisi Mbah states this on Wednesday when he, along with the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly and the Commissioner for youth and sports, paid a courtesy Visit to the family.

Governor Mbah while commiserating with the family said Mr Chukwu’s death was devastating adding that the state government will immortalize his name.

He described the late footballer, popularly known as Chairman, as a legend, who served his country unreservedly and inspired millions of youths. He said the Government and people of Enugu, his home State, were thoroughly devastated by the death.

Speaking to newsmen after consoling the family and also signing a condolence register, Mbah said, “We have come here to commiserate with the family and also to express our devastation. We are just as devastated by his death; and his death is not just a loss to the family alone, it is a loss to all of us, particularly the government and the people of Enugu State.

“As you know, our beloved brother and legend, Chairman Christian Chukwu is a household name that inspired a lot of young people. He represents a lot of values when it comes to sport globally not just even in Nigeria.

“So, we are so devastated by his death, but we have also come here to assure the family that this loss is not just theirs, this is our collective loss; that we are going to be with them all through this period of grief, and that we are also going to ensure that his name is immortalised.”

He also prayed for the peaceful repose of Chukwu’s soul and for fortitude on the part of his family to bear the irreparable loss.

Also with the governor at the round leather maestro’s residence were the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu and the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu.

Chukwu died on Saturday in Enugu aged 74.

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A delegation of National Grammar School Nike Old Boys Association led by its National President, Dr. Maxwell Ngene, paid a condolence visit on the family of Late Christian Chukwu to commiserate with them on the death of the football Legend.

Dr. Ngene, who spoke on behalf of the delegation described Late Chukwu as an esteemed alumnus of Nike Grammar School, who distinguished himself in his Football career.

He stated that Chukwu achieved global recognition and became a national hero through football and expressed the hope that he would be accorded well deserved national burial.

He noted that the Association was shocked at his sudden death, particularly when it was generally believed that he was on the part of recovery from his illness. He offered word of comfort to the family and encouraged them to find solace in their faith during the difficult time.

The President pledged the commitment of the Old Boys Association to contribute towards giving him a befitting burial.

Also speaking during the visit, former president of the Association, Barr. Ndukwo Gbuja, recalled Chukwu’s exploits as a footballer with Nike Grammar School, Rangers International and Green Eagles, noting that he left an indelible mark on the world of football.

   The Association offered prayers for peaceful repose of his soul.

In the delegation include notable names such as Dr. John Egbo, a three-time commissioner in Enugu State, Benedith Ugwu an Ex – Rangers and others.

Christian Chukwu also known as the “chairman” died on Saturday, April 12, 2025 in his home town in Enugu. He was a former captain and coach of the Nigeria Super Eagles and Rangers international Football Club where he won boith continental, national and global laurels

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Solange Ngonda Tibesa an Ogoja based Cameroonian refugee will be representing Nigeria at the 5th edition of the World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) 2025 event. The WTTD 2025 is an event that is supported by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) to promote the development of the game of table tennis at the grassroots level all over the world.

According to the ITTF: “30 promoters were selected for World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) 2025. Representing 27 countries and territories across all 5 continents. These passionate individuals will play a pivotal role in uniting communities and sharing the joy of table tennis on 23rd April 2025.” A record 160 persons applied to be considered as a WTTD 2025, promoters, out of which Solange and 29 other applicants from 27 counties and 5 continents applied to be considered.

Furthermore, the ITTF stated that they will provide Solange and the other promoters with the financial assistance, capacity-building resources, and personalised guidance to align their initiatives with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the theme of diversity and inclusion.

Solange who is currently a full-time staff of Save the Children, is also a trained netball coach who supervises the compulsory twice a week training of the more than thirty netballers that are based at the Adagom 3 refugee camp. During a telephone interview with our reporter, Solange stated that on 23rd April 2025, she and the Ogoja refugees table tennis organising committee hope to hold the event in the Adagom 1, Adagom 3 and Ukende camps.

Over one thousand persons are expected to attend the event in the three separate refugee camps. The event will be spiced up with table tennis challenge, live music, health and well-being talks, and light refreshment for the spectators.

Solange stated further: “as an experienced community worker, I know the important role sports can play in bringing people together and giving them the opportunities to compete with each other under set rules, in a respectful manner. I am also aware that sports could be used to empower and provided psychosocial support to vulnerable persons including the physically challenged. We hope to use the game of table tennis to reach out to my fellow Cameroonians and members of our host community in Ogoja.”

Finally, Solange commended CSED (Community Sports and Educational Development) Initiative for bringing the WTTD 2025 grant advertisement to her attention and encouraging her to apply for WTTD 2025.

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By Amaechi Agbo

Agbani – The staff of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, (ESUT) may not start receiving their new minimum wage any time soon as the University management has disclosed that it would need at least the sum of N25 million monthly to effectively implement the new minimum wage in the institution, www.esutmoitor.com can authoritatively report.

This is as the State Government, the owner of the university is silent over increase in the subvention it pays to the university.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Aloysius Michaels Okolie said on Wednesday during the University Senate Meeting, that the management needs the sum of N25 million monthly to begin the implementation of the new minimum wage in the school.

ESUT Monitor gathered that Professor Okolie who stated the management’s willingness to begin the implementation of the new minimum wage, however expressed dismay that without corresponding increment in the Enugu State Government’s subvention, the university is handicapped.

The VC while acknowledging the difficulties the staff face in view of the implementation of the new wage structure, considering that the state government began the implementation in November 2024, called on the workers to patient with the management as they sort out solution.

Sources told this paper that the VC noted that no tertiary institution in Enugu State has started paying its staff the new minimum wage and called on the staff for more Understanding.

One of our sources recalled what the VC said during the meeting thus: “The committee on implementation of the new minimum wage submitted their report some weeks ago and to effectively begin this new payment, we will need additional N25 million every month. This will catapult our monthly wage bill to N467 million out of which the State Government pays N204 subvention. Which means we will be sorting out N263 million monthly for wages if we must pay the new minimum wage.

“The Government has not said anything on increasing the subvention, however, we are not relenting. I want to assure our staff that the management is working round the clock to sort things out and find a solution,” the source said.

The VC noted that while faculties and departments are increasing, the government subvention to the university is not increasing which adds much strains to the already stretched resources in the university  

The Vice Chancellor further disclosed that the university will, starting from June 1^st, 2025, commence payment of the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) to all lecturers.

CONUASS is a salary structure used in Nigeria for academic staff, including lecturers and professors, in both federal and state universities

He appreciated the academic staff for their patience with respect to the payment of the CONUASS

CONUASS stands for Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure. It’s a salary structure used in Nigeria for academic staff, including lecturers and professors, in both federal and state universities

The Vice Chancellor further promised to start paying promotion arrears from 2020/2021. And expressed his determination to exhaust all the debt he inherited before he leaves the university including the Cooperative Micro-Finance

It could be recalled that various workers unions on Campus had threatened to embank on industrial action in January over the none implementation of the new minimum wage and other entitlements

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By Amaechi Agbo

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Professor Uchenna Ekwochi will deliver the 46^th Inaugural Lecture of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT.

Dr Ekwochi, a Professor of Paediatrics Medicine (Neonatology Subspecialty) and consultant, is the Provost, ESUT College of Medicine (ESUCOM).

Prior to his appointment on March 12, 2024 as the Provost, ESUT College of Medicine, Dr Ekwochi was a Paediatrician consultant with the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, ESUTH. He equally served in several committees in the College, University and the State. He once served as a member of the Enugu State Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, also delivered some invited public lectures and seminars.

Fondly called the ESUCOM IGP – Internally Generated Provost – Professor Ekwochi’s academic certificates resonate. He holds the following certification: (FMCPaed, MBBS, Cert. Leadership and Management in Health, University of Washington; Certified in Logistics and Supply Chain- ESUT, Multimix Academy.

He qualified as a Medical Doctor in February 2003 from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and obtained a Fellowship of National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Faculty of Paediatrics in November 2011.

He was appointed Consultant Paediatrician (Neonatology unit) in Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) in December 2011. He has authored and co-authored 94 journal articles in (Google Scholar Metrics; Citation 1659, h-index 24, i-10-index 34; Research Gate; 42,415 READS, 1,149 Citations) as at 23/01/2025.

The Provost also participated in peer review of journal manuscripts, supervision of postgraduate dissertations and as an Examiner at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels especially in the Faculty of Paediatrics, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

Prof Ekwochi is a clinical and academic Paediatrician with special interest in Neonatal Care and have collaborated with several local and international researchers. He co-invented a special tape in Neonatal care for identification and care of Low Birth Weights babies (Patented as ‘’NUA Tape’’ by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) under the Patents and Designs Act; CAP 344 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 with Certificate No RP:NG/P/2018/135).

He is a National Trainer in new-born health and have participated in developing some important technical documents like the “New-born Action Plan” for two (2) states of the federation (Enugu and Ebonyi States) and also in the development of the Enugu State Quality of Care (QOc) Operational Plan, 2022.

Before his appointment as the Provost, he served as the Head of department of Paediatrics and the Secretary General of the Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria, ESUTH chapter. He equally served in several committees in the College, University and the State. He once served as a member of the Enugu State Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, also delivered some invited public lectures and seminars.

Professor Uchenna Ekwochi is also an award winner, as he has won some grants including important academic accolades such as Best Lecturer (Clinical Department) ESUT College of Medicine 2012/2013 session (Certified by the University governing council).

Prof Ekwochi’s Inaugural Lecture, the 4^th to be delivered by the ESUCOM Professors, will centre on the theme: “The Travails of the Minor or Minors in our Resource Limited Setting: Unveiling the Neglected Roadmap to Addressing the Giants and Taming the Tide” will hold at the College Auditorium, commencing from 11am.

A National Trainer in new-born health, Prof Ekwochi have participated in developing some important technical documents like the “New-born Action Plan” for two (2) states of the federation (Enugu and Ebonyi States) and also in the development of the Enugu State Quality of Care (QOc) Operational Plan, 2022.  

It is worthy to note that on March 12, 2025, the IGP marked his one year in office as Provost, ESUT College of Medicine and rolled out his transformative achievements in the College within 365 days.

Prof Ekwochi, the 46^th Inaugural Lecturer, will not only be delivering his lecture on May 8 which is expected to be expository, but will also be “inducted” into the “Distinguished Professors” Hall of Fame in ESUT.

He will also be the 4^th Inaugural Lecturer in the ESUT College of Medicine.

The 46th Inaugural Lecture is coming less four weeks after the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, ESUT, Professor Charles Chime delivered the 45th Inaugural Lecture at the Barr Dr Peter Mbah Auditorium at ESUT Main Campus, Agabni

ESUT Monitor Newspaper will be your eyes, ears and nose on the day as we will bring you live coverages of the lecture via our social media platforms.

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By Amaechi Agbo

At least four of the twenty-one secondary school students who participated in the 12 week long Sporting Coders pilot programme are now currently studying in the university.
Organisers of the competition, the Community Sports and Educational Development Initiative (CSED) disclosed this in a press statement on Sunday adding that the Sporting Coders programme involved the netballers of Tare Pet Montessori Group of Schools in Yenagoa (Bayelsa State) combining netball training with learning how to code.

The pilot project designed and powered by CSED Initiative, was implemented by Funsho Ekundayo and Victoria Allison Ayebaifie (netball coaches) and Humphrey Okonkwo Nnaemeka (IT teacher) and was managed by Catherine Sasuode. The financial investment on IT infrastructure by the proprietor of the school, Mrs Victoria Ebimenere Mologe was the foundation for the success of the Sporting Coders pilot programme.

The names of the beneficiaries of the Sporting Coders programme who are now undergraduate students are: Victory Woyengipreye Gesiye. (Medicine at Afe Babalola university) 2024/2025; Wisdom Alaere Nathan. (Political science at Niger delta university) 2024/2025; Chloe Woyengidoubara Gesiye. (Pharmacy at Afe Babalola University) 2024/2025 and Victory Peremoboerei Wenibowei. (Micro biology at River State University) 2025.

The Sporting Coders programme was specifically designed to give the girl child access to learn new skills, while at the same time enjoying taking part in sports in a safe and nurturing space. It was also designed to address the under-representation of girls in STEM courses. The pilot project used the medium of netball a once almost extinct sport in Nigeria, as a platform for advocating for and empowering the girl-child.

It would be recall that during the period of the Sporting Coders programme the 21 students were on two separate occasions given ten thousand Naira educational voucher, as well as free lunch during the twelve Saturdays that they attended the programme. Furthermore, CSED Initiative has fulfilled their promise of giving fifty thousand naira each to any of the pioneering cohort that gain admission into a tertiary institution. At the moment, seven members of the netball team of Tare Pet School are currently in their final year and CSED Initiative is expected to deliver their promise to these students in future.

Speaking with our reporter, a trustee of CSED Initiative stated: “we will try to deliver our promise to the netballers. We do not have to beg, steal or borrow to do so. All we have to do is to reduce the quantity and quality of eba and soup we usually eat. The management of Tare Pet School, their parents, members of the Naija Netball Stakeholders and the sports for change activists in Nigeria are proud of these pioneering students. As they have proved that they are not just champions on the netball court, they are also academic and community ambassadors of the game of netball, which is currently taking baby steps in Nigeria.”

Regarding future plans of taking the Sporting Coders training to other parts of Nigeria, the trustee of CSED Initiative stated: “It is gradual process because it is cash intensive it involves a lot of factors (access to electricity, availability of IT teachers and access to computer desktops/laptops) that are outside our control.”

“However, we can disclose authoritatively that through our partnership with the Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh Foundation the Sporting Coders programme is going to hold before the end of this year in St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School in Benin City. UNN Secondary School Nsukka is also in pole position for the Sporting Coders programme.

“As part of our responsibility to take sporting and educational opportunities to at risk and vulnerable communities, we are likely to take the Sporting Coders training to IDPs Uhogua (Benin City) and the Cameroonian refugees’ community and their host community in Ogoja (Cross River State).

“But for netballers in the last two locations. we would need to reach a working agreement with the management of IDPs Uhogua, as well as with SEMA, the sport committees of the Cameroonian refugees, representative of the host community and the UNHCR Ogoja. As this is the only way we can ensure that everybody is carried along in order to achieve successful outcomes for the programme beneficiaries in future.”

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested a Nigerian national, Mercy Ojedeji, 24, for orchestrating a complex fraud scheme involving forged academic documents, romance scams, and immigration violations that prosecutors say aimed to defraud victims of over $1 million.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ojedeji used forged transcripts, recommendation letters, a résumé, and an English proficiency report to gain admission into a Ph.D program in Chemistry at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in Fall 2023.

His fraudulent application secured him a full tuition waiver valued at $49,000, along with stipends and other academic benefits.

“Mr. Ojedeji built a false academic profile to deceive a respected institution and gain financial benefits under false pretenses,” said the U.S. Attorney’s Office in a statement released Thursday, April 10.

Authorities say Ojedeji opened a bank account with the forged documents but soon stopped attending classes, failed to fulfill assistantship duties, and did not join any research group.

His behavior led to his expulsion from the university in February 2024 and the revocation of his student visa.

The investigation into Ojedeji began after FBI agents received numerous complaints from victims of romance scams.

Those complaints led agents to a residence connected to Ojedeji’s girlfriend, which was allegedly used to receive proceeds from the scams, including cash and gift cards.

“Between December 19, 2023, and January 4, 2024, agents tracked 35 Express Mail packages to the address.

“Further investigation uncovered that a total of 193 packages had been delivered to the home during the course of Ojedeji’s relationship with the woman,” the FBI reported.

Following a court-approved search of the residence, Ojedeji was arrested and charged with wire fraud and using forged immigration documents.

He has since pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court in St. Louis.

“Ojedeji’s fraud extended beyond academic deception it was a multi-layered scheme that targeted both institutions and individuals,” prosecutors said.

The Nigerian national now faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

Sentencing is scheduled to take place in the coming months.

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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has awarded a cash gift of N10 million to Isioma Sybil Nwosu, the best graduating student of Lagos State University for the 2023/2024 academic session.

Nwosu, a graduate of Biochemistry from the Faculty of Science, finished with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93.

The Governor announced the gift on Thursday during LASU’s 28th Convocation Ceremony held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Ojo.

The convocation ceremony also saw the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees and Distinguished Professorships on notable individuals, including the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), and former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Otunba Olufemi Pedro.

Marwa, who once served as military administrator of Lagos State, was honoured with a Doctor of Humane Letters (Infrastructure, Security and National Development) Honoris Causa.

Pedro received a Doctor of Business (Banking, Entrepreneurship and National Development) Honoris Causa.

Represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of education to societal development.

“Education is the backbone of our society, and we must recognise its importance in addressing societal needs and human development,” he said.

He stressed that academic excellence should be held in the same regard as achievements in entertainment, fashion, or sports.

“It’s our responsibility to foster a culture that hungers for knowledge and innovation,” the Governor said.

Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering students in state-owned tertiary institutions through strategic investments and infrastructure development.

“We are committed to providing more significant financial investment towards expanding infrastructure within and around, ensuring the safety and welfare of the staff and students of the University,” he said.

The Governor also pointed to the themes and agenda, noting that education is a key priority for his government. He highlighted programmes such as the Job Initiative Lagos, which is designed to enhance the employability of final-year students.

“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to improving the welfare of staff and students of this University, providing opportunities for educational advancement to indigenes and residents of our dear Lagos State,” he added.

Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, commended the state government for its continuous support, describing it as “truly exceptional.”

She disclosed that 43 out of the 44 courses offered by the university were accredited during the October–November 2023 accreditation exercise.

She also noted that the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education had commenced new postgraduate programmes, which for the first time included international students.

In his address, the Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN), encouraged the graduating students to be good ambassadors of the university.

“You are not only representing yourselves but also your families, your university, and your state,” he said, urging them to remain innovative and focused in their pursuit of success.

A total of 11,917 students graduated from LASU during the ceremony. This included 971 Diploma holders, 8,711 first-degree graduates, 2,235 Postgraduate students, 302 Postgraduate Diplomas, 1,132 Academic Masters, 639 Professional Masters, 125 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) recipients, and 37 holders of Professional Doctoral Degrees.

Punch Credited

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Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governors of Enugu and Lagos States, Peter Mbah and Babajide Sanwo-Olu as well as the  former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar; the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have expressed their sadness over the death of ex Super Eagles and rangers player/coach, Christian Chukwu

They extended their sympathy to the family, friends, and associates of the Nigerian football icon, Christian Chukwu, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 74 years. Chukwu’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of many football followers across the country.

A towering defender in Nigerian football, Chairman Chukwu captained the Green Eagles to a historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations victory and later coached the Super Eagles, which won a bronze medal at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations under his leadership.

Nicknamed “Chairman” for his commanding presence and leadership on the field, Chukwu devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple national titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.

President Tinubu in a statement issued Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, joined the football community in mourning the loss of a legend whose contributions to the beautiful game elevated Nigeria’s status globally.

He eulogised Chukwu for a trailblazing career defined by passion, discipline, and commitment to national pride.

“Christian Chukwu was more than a footballer and coach. He was a symbol of excellence and patriotism. He brought joy to millions, mentored a generation of footballers, and stood as a pillar of Nigerian brand and sportsmanship on and off the pitch.

“His legacies will continue to live on in the trophies he won, the lives he touched, and the exciting moments he provided to football fans and spectators on the field and in the technical area. We are forever grateful for his contributions to the sport we all love, and we will always remember him with great respect and admiration,” the President says.

President Tinubu prays for the repose of the departed sportsman and comfort for his family, hoping they find solace in his enduring legacy.

Similarly, Atiku Abubakar expressed sorrow over the death of Nigerian football legend, Chukwu who died in his home town in Enugu.

In a post via his official X handle on Saturday, Atiku described Chukwu as the image of grace, discipline, and dedication, both as a player and a coach.

According to the former Vice President, the football legend’s name stands tall in the rich history of Nigerian football, saying that his absence will be profoundly felt.

He wrote, “It is difficult to grasp that Chairman Christian Chukwu, MFR, has passed on. His name stands tall in the rich tapestry of Nigerian football. From the mid-70s, when he captained our beloved Green Eagles, to that glorious triumph at the 1980 Nations Cup, Chukwu was the image of grace, discipline, and dedication — both as a player and a coach.”

In his reaction, Mbah expressed deep grief over Chukwu’s passing, describing him as a football icon, titan, and phenomenon.

The governor said, “I received with a deep sense of loss the passing away of Chairman Christian Chukwu. It is a personal loss to us as Ndi Enugu, his home state, and indeed to Nigeria as a nation and Africa as a continent.

“Christian Chukwu was a national icon, a football titan, field marshal, and phenomenon. His exploits as a footballer united the country across ethnic divides and creed.

“My heart goes out to his family, Ndi Enugu, the Nigerian sports community and the entire nation over this irreplaceable loss. May the good Lord grant his soul eternal repose,” he wrote.

In the same vein Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu described the death of Chukwu as a great loss to Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, mourned the passing of Chukwu, saying the Captain of the Green Eagles, who won the African Nations Cup in 1980, was a legend.

The governor described the death of the national icon who served as both player and coach to the national team as a painful loss to the nation, particularly to football lovers.

He also extended his condolences to the Chukwu family, the Enugu State Government and the Nigerian Football Federation on the passing of the ex-player of Enugu Rangers.

The NFF, NSC and expressed deep sorrow following the death of the former Green Eagles Captain  and  head coach.

Nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for his commanding presence and leadership qualities both at club level with Enugu Rangers and with the national team, Chukwu famously lifted the Unity Cup—the first major continental title for Nigeria—on Saturday, March 22, 1980, after receiving it from then-President Shehu Shagari at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

Chairman of NSC, Shehu Dikko, described the death of Chukwu as a sad development.

Dikko said, “This news came to me as a big shock. Chairman is no more. On behalf of the Commission, the entire sporting fraternity, and indeed the Federal Government of Nigeria, I extend my condolences to his family and to the whole nation. Frankly, a big iroko tree has fallen. We are the chairmen leading the sector, but Christian Chukwu was the original Chairman on the pitch.

 “He was so commanding and charismatic, decisive and assuring on the pitch, that the late Ernest Okonkwo called him ‘Chairman’—and to this day, that name is even more popular than his given name.

Similarly, in a statement yesterday, the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, described Chukwu as a towering figure in Nigerian football.

Sanusi stated that the former Enugu Rangers coach was the definition of a strong, dedicated, and disciplined leader on and off the field.

The statement reads, “We have lost a good and great man. Chukwu was the definition of a strong, dedicated, and disciplined leader on and off the field. He was not nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for nothing. He embodied strength, vision, and consistency.

“We pray that the Almighty will grant his soul eternal rest and also grant his family, friends, and the Nigerian football fraternity the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

Also, Chairman of NPFL, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, described the late Chukwu as one of the icons of league football in Nigeria.

In his tribute to the late captain of Rangers International of Enugu, Elegbeleye said the story of club football in the country can not be complete without a good mention of Christian Chukwu.

“Christian Chukwu stands out in the annals of club football. He not only spent his entire football career in our league, he equally took to coaching the younger ones and went on to win the league as a player and a coach”, the NPFL Chairman noted.

Extending condolences to the immediate family and the country’s football family, Elegbeleye said, “we certainly have lost an icon of club football in Nigeria and on behalf of the NPFL Board, Clubs, Coaches, officials and players, I wish the family the strength to endure this loss.”

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By Amaechi Agbo

The Old Boys Association of National Grammar School Nike, has expressed with profound sadness the departure of one of theirs, Christian Chukwu.

Mr Chukwu who was a former student of Nigeria’s oldest secondary school founded in 1958, died on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the age of 74

In a statement signed by the National President, National Grammar School Nike Old Boys Association, Dr. Maxwell Menkiti Ngene, while describing his death as a great loss, however added that the Association will take pride in the fact that Christian Chukwu’s achievements on and off the field reflected the values and excellence that school embodies

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved alumnus, Mr. Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu (MFR), on April 12, 2025. Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, fondly called Chairman in soccer circles, was a legendary football player, captain, and coach who made us all proud with his exceptional footballing skills and numerous eye-catching achievements.

“As an old boy of National Grammar School Nike, Enugu, Christian Chukwu’s journey to football stardom began within the walls of our great school. He joined Enugu Rangers International Football Club while still a student of our Alma Mater, showcasing his prodigious innate talent and dedication to the sport he loved so much.

“Christian Chukwu went on to captain both Enugu Rangers International Football Club and the Nigerian national team (the Nigerian Green Eagles now known as the Super Eagles), leading them to their first Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1980. He was a pioneering figure in Nigerian football, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of footballers old our students.

“We take pride in the fact that Christian Chukwu’s achievements on and off the field reflect the values and excellence that our school embodies. His passing is a significant loss to our Alma Mater, Obe community, Nkanu land, Enugu State, and Nigeria, and we sincerely mourn the departure of an icon and a football phenomenon.

“May his memory be etched in our hearts, and may his legacy continue to inspire us to greatness. Rest in peace, Chairman Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu (MFR),£ the statement said

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