JUST IN: Christian Chukwu, ex-Super Eagles coach is dead

Christian Chukwu, a former captain and head coach of the Super Eagles, has passed away at the age of 74.

The football icon reportedly died in the early hours of Saturday, though the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear at the time of this report.

Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, his long-time friend and teammate, confirmed the news.

Odegbami, who won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Chukwu, said: “I just received the sad news between 9:00 and 10:00 this morning. ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, MFR, my dear friend and teammate, one of the greatest football players in Nigeria’s history, has passed away.

“Emmanuel Okala, MON, shared the news with me a few minutes ago. May ‘Onyim’ find eternal peace with Our Creator in Heaven, and may his family be comforted.”

Chukwu was a monumental figure in Nigerian football, first making his mark as a player and later as a coach.

He captained the national team to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980 before taking the reins as head coach of the Super Eagles in the early 2000s.

More details to follow…