Akpabio condoles with late Christian Chukwu’s family

The Senate President of the Federal Republic, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed his condolences to the family of the late Nigerian football icon, Christian Chukwu, describing his demise as a great loss to Nigeria.

Akpabio’s message of condolence was contained in a statement endorsed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Jackson Udom, and made available to journalists in Uyo.

“The death of the former captain of Nigeria’s Men’s National Football team, the Green Eagles, Mr Christian Chukwu, MFR, is the loss of a national and international football icon.

“We mourn the loss of a Nigerian football icon, Christian Chukwu. As a pioneering defender and former Green Eagles captain, he etched his name in the annals of Nigerian football history. His leadership, skill, and dedication inspired countless fans and paved the way for future generations.

“I am deeply saddened by his passing. He was a legendary Nigerian footballer. His contributions to Nigerian football are immeasurable.

“On behalf of the Nigerian Senate, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire football community. May God grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

May Christian Chukwu’s soul rest in perfect peace,” the Senate President prayed.

Our correspondent reports that the former Super Eagles captain and head coach died at the age of 74 on Saturday, 12 April 2025.

Christian Chukwu holds the distinction of being the first Nigerian captain to lift the African Nations Cup trophy after a 3-0 victory over Algeria in the final of the 1980 tournament in Lagos.

The Enugu-born football icon also led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2004 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

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