As part of the events marking the global celebration of World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) on 23rd April 2025, the town of Ogoja ensured that Nigeria joined the ITTF table family in celebrating this grassroots awareness event. Thanks to the generosity and hospitality of the people of Ogoja, Nigeria was represented by members of the Cameroonian refugee community and members of the Adagom 3 community of Ogoja. 

As one of their own, Solange Ngonda Tibesa a Cameroonian was one of the 30 WTTD 2025 global promoters.

For Solange who was heavily supported by the ITTF, UNHCR, the Refugee Organisations Network (RON), SEMA of Cross Rivers State, and CSED (Community Sports and Educational Development) Initiative, it was a dream come through for her to see that all the efforts she put in to ensure a successful event has eventually come to a successful reality. 

The event which was held at the Adagom 3 playground was attended by several distinguished guests including, a representative of UNHCR (Mrs. Annick Nahimana), royal fathers and tribal leaders of Ogoja, the Divisional Police Officer (D.P.O.) of Ogoja, a representative of Nigeria Immigration Service, a representative of NCFRMI, persons with disabilities, women’s groups, and the representatives of the sports committees of the three refugee camps in Ogoja.

There were pre-event advocacy rally/health talks, traditional dancers representing the host Ogoja community and the Cameroonian refugee community. As well as, the usual display of table tennis skills by both male and female players. Buba and wrapper tennis playing women amazed the large crowd.

In her address to the over one thousand attendees of the event, the head of the UNHCR Office in Ogoja, Mrs. Annick Nahimana commended the event organisers for their efforts in using table tennis to bring people together.

 She urged the community to support Solange and she promised that those with creative minds like her would always have the backing of the UNHCR. Especially in supporting educational and pro-social activities/projects that promote peaceful co-existence between Cameroonian refugees and the indigenes of Ogoja.

Moving forward, Solange who is also a netball coach, promised to work with the relevant community groups and NGO in sustaining the growth of table tennis and other sports among Cameroonian refugees and members of the host community.

The post Ogoja Dominates 2025 World Tablet Tennis Day Competition in Nigeria appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

By Amaechi Agbo

Keep the memory of their former chairman alive, the Enugu State Boxing Association on Tuesday held a memorial boxing show in honour of their late boss, Chief Osondu Ogbu

 Tagged “Old Skool Boxing Extravaganza”, the show was held at the Independence Layout with athletes from Enugu, Imo and Anambra States participating. .

Chairperson of the Enugu State Boxing Association, Mrs Amaka Ogbu, while speaking with the media, explained the essence of the game.

She noted that the show was to honour her late husband who loved and lived boxing till he died in February 2024. She expressed joy on the large turn out of boxers from the South East region and expressed optimism that the show could become a yearly boxing activity.

“My late husband and chairman of the Boxing Association died in February last year. We wanted to hold the show during his burial but it didn’t work out so we shifted it to his first memorial service. He lived and died boxing. I am elated because everything that happened here are to his name.

“By God’s grace, we will make it an annual event if we have sponsors,” she said.

Despite the heavy down pour, the show witnessed a high intensity, electrifying and competitive atmosphere ,

In his word, Vice Chairman of the Association, David Ebubechukwu Nwobodo stated that the boxers have the potentials to go places, noting that sustainability and sponsorship is paramount in the development of the game. 

In some of the results obtained, Enugu’s Shedrack put-up  a scintillating performance against Emmanuel (Imo) vie a TKO in 7Okg class, while the centre referee had to stop the contest between Etibong from Ebonyi State and Chisom (Imo) as a result of injury sustained by the fighter from Ebonyi State

In 69kg class, it was Ayo (Enugu) who came out tops against Ugochukw (Enugu), while Theophilus (Enugu) stopped Ebonyi’ Ugwusinachi courtesy of the referee’s decision.

Also, Israel Ogbodo in lightweight category showed class and dominance as he out-boxed his opponent, just as Kelechi was victorious in the 8Okg category, another puncher in Daniel.

The post Enugu State Boxing Association Holds Memorial Bout in Honour of Late Chairman appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

By Amaechi Agbo

The President, Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) Dr Abdul Ibrahim has charged the athletes representing Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Senior Weightlifting Championship win gold medals for the country.

Dr Abdul gave the charge on Wednesday while addressing the athletes at their training camp in Moka, venue of the championship in Mauritius

According to the Media Officer of the federation, Mr Amaechi Agbo in a press release on Wednesday, he noted that the NWF President expressed delight over the commitment of the athletes, expressed gratitude to the National Sports Commission for their support and promised that the athletes would deliver the medals.

“I want to, on behalf of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation Board, thank you all for your commitment. You athletes are wonderful and your coaches are doing excellent job to put you in good shape for the championship. We have always excelled in this competition and at no time would we lower the standard, instead we will upgrade. Our mission here is to win gold and i urge you to go for gold. It is better you aim for the moon so that even if you miss it, you can hold unto the stars.

“Our coming here wouldn’t have been possible without the massive support of the National Sports Commission and we are pleased to have the Director General, Hon Bukola Olapde with us here. He has been with us since Sunday and we are honoured. The coming of the NSC is changing the face of sports in Nigeria,” he said.

Meanwhile, Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade has donated the sum of N 6.114 million to the athletes and officials of Nigeria contingent at the Africa Senior Weightlifting Championship in Mauritius.

The DG who arrived Moka in Mauritius over the weekend announced a personal donation of $3, 800 (N6.114 Million) to the athletes stressing that the gesture is his personal way of motivating the athletes and officials to know that the Commission is solidly behind them.

He made the donation during a meeting with the athletes, officials and some board members of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, (NWF) on Wednesday and encouraged the athletes to conquer the continent  

“The Chairman of the Commission Mallam Shehu Dikko, is aware of your being here, so he sent me and told me that I should remind you that weightlifting is part of the sport that as a country, we have a competitive edge as far as Africa and the World is concerned. Therefore, you must try to win a lot of medals here in Mauritius.

“My slogan for you here in Mauritius is, more Gold, more money. As you are winning, you are getting your alert.

“I am also glad to inform you all that four of you have been shortlisted into the A Category of the Elite Programme of the Elite Athletes and Podium Board of the Commission and will get 20,000 Dollars each as your annual training grants. And by next week, the four of you will get 5000 Dollars each as part of your training Grants instalment.

“Your welfare is very paramount to us and it is a core mandate of the Commission under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to prioritise the welfare and well-being of our Elite Athletes.

“With this, you guys can now concentrate on your preparations without any distractions for the Commonwealth Games, the World Championship and ultimately the Olympic Games”, he concluded.

The 2025 Africa Senior Weightlifting Championship (ASWC) in Mauritius officially commenced on Wednesday and  four Nigeria athletes will be competing on Thursday.

Didih Onome Omolola in 55kg and Lawal Rafiatu Folashade 59kg will be in action in the morning while Tuesday Emmanuel, featuring in 67kg and Umoafia Edidiong Joseph in 73kg will compete later.

Nigeria’s participation in the championship will be rounded off on Friday with Ayodele Ruth Imoleayo featuring in 64kg and Matthew Sarah Ovayioza competing in the 76kg women categories.

The post Africa Senior Weightlifting Championship: “Go For Gold” – NWF President Dr Abdul Ibrahim Charges Athletes   …NSC DG Motivates Athletes with N6.114 Million appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

A total of six lifters and two officials will this night depart the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos en-route Moka in Mauritius for the 2025 Africa Weightlifting Championship

The contingent comprises four female and two male lifters who are poised to compete in six categories at the Africa’s Weightlifting flagship event.

The female athletes include Didih Onome Omolola in 55kg, Lawal Rafiatu Folashade 59kg, Ayodele Ruth Imoleayo 64kg and Matthew Sarah Ovayioza 76kg
The two male are; Tuesday Emmanuel 67kg and Umoafia Edidiong Joseph 73kg

The 2025 Africa Weightlifting Championship will hold in Moka, Mauritius starting from April 20th through 28th. Sunday 20 April was the arrival date while opening ceremony will hold on Wednesday, April 23rd.

Hostilities will commence on Thursday with two Nigeria lifters, Didih Onome Omolola in 55kg and Lawal Rafiatu Folashade 59kg in action in the morning while Tuesday Emmanuel, featuring in 67kg and Umoafia Edidiong Joseph in 73kg will compete from 2pm Nigeria time.

Nigeria’s participation in the championship will be rounded off on Friday with Ayodele Ruth Imoleayo featuring in 64kg and Matthew Sarah Ovayioza competing in the 76kg women categories.

Nigeria enters the competition on the back of an impressive outing at the 2024 edition in Egypt where the contingent won eleven medals comprising six gold and five silver medals.

The Nigeria delegate will depart the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos by 10pm tonight via Kenya Airline. The team will have a stopover in Kenya before taking a connecting flight to Mauritius

The post Six Nigeria Lifters Depart For Mauritius Tonight For 2025 Africa Weightlifting Championship appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

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.

The post Enugu State Government To Immortalize Christian Chukwu appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

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

The post National Grammar School Nike Old Boys Association Consoles Late Christian Chukwu’s Family appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

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.

The post Cameroonian Refugee to Represent Nigeria at World Table Tennis Day Event appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

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.”

The post Netball: 4 Sporting Coders Students Gain Admission Into Nigeria Varsities appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

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.”

The post President Tinubu, Govs Mbah, Sanwo-Olu, Atiku, Others Mourn Christian Chukwu appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

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

The post National Grammar School Nike Old Boys Association Mourns Ex Alumnus Christian Chukwu appeared first on ESUT Monitor.