Remains Of Football Legend, Christian Chukwu Laid To Rest At Country Home.

By; KELVIN OKPARA, Enugu

Corpse of late Ex- captain of Rangers International FC Enugu, and Coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Chairman, Christian Chukwu, was on Saturday, committed to mother earth at his country home, Obe, in Nkanu West Council Area of Enugu State.

Chukwu was a former Technical Adviser of Rangers FC and also a one time Coach of the Keyan National team.

Paying his tribute to the deceased during the funeral service held at the St. Phillips Anglican Church Obe, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah extolled the virtues of the late football legend, describing him as someone who was gentle, humble and dignified.

He noted that the event is bringing to an end, the 10-day long events starting from the night of tributes in Lagos and Enugu, adding that, “a colloquium and other ceremonial activities were carried out in honour of the football icon.“

Mbah said, “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.

“Without a doubt, he was disciplined, dignified, polite, and empathetic,” Governor Mbah stated.

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”.

Earlier in his sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev Professor Samuel Ike, applauded Christian Chukwu’s services and contributions to football development in Enugu, Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Going down memory lane how Christian Chukwu started his football career, 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.

The Cleric noted that Chukwu after retirement was employed as Rangers Coach, Chief Coach, Technical Adviser, former Coach of Heartland FC, and former Assistant Coach to the National team former Coach.

The Bishop described him as a “strong man” that led his team on a journey, fought and won several battles , pointing out 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.

“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.

Pix: Christian Chukwu ‘s family

Appreciating guest on behalf of the family, Christian Chukwu’s eldest son, Chukwuemeka Chukwu (Jr)., thanked them for honouring and paying last respect to their father.

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, the Senator Representing Anambra Central, Sen. Victor Umeh

Others includes president of the 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.

Also in attendance were, 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 one Goal keeper and close ally of Chukwu, ,Emmanuel Okala, Ex- chairman,Enugu Sports Club, Sir Victor Atuonwo, amongst others.

Chukwu died on April 12, at the age of 74 after a protracted illness. He was married with a wife, four children and grandchildren.