The Chairman of National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) have mourn the death of the national team’s most iconic captain, Christian Chukwu.
Dikko spoke minutes after receiving the shocking news from Chukwu’s team mate Dr. Segun Odegbami.
Dikko in a statement issued Saturday Director of Information and PR, Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi said the news came to him as a big shock.
He added: “Chairman is no more. On behalf of the Commission and the entire sporting fraternity and indeed the federal government of Nigeria, I extend my condolences to his family and indeed the whole of Nigeria.
“Frankly, a big iroko tree has fallen. We are the Chairmen leading the sector but Christian Chukwu is 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 till today that name Chairman is even more popular than his original name.”
TheHintsNews reports that Chukwu was synonymous with Nigerian football. He lifted the first major trophy in 1980 AFCON.
Dikko added: “Growing up, that day stands out. Many of us draw our passion for Nigerian football from that tournament. Chairman was the main catalyst of that feat, motivating and leading the team from the foundation to success .”
Also, the Director General of NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has expressed condolences to the family of Chukwu and the entire Nigerian football community following the passing of the legendary former Super Eagles captain and coach.
Olopafe in a statement issued Saturday by his Special Adviser, Kola Daniel described Chukwu as a true icon, a leader of men, and a national hero whose contributions to the growth of Nigerian football will never be forgotten.
“Christian Chukwu was not just a footballer; he was a symbol of pride, discipline, and excellence,” Olopade said. L
Chukwu was overjoyed as he hoisted above his head the Unity Cup (the first time Nigeria would triumph in the continental championship) after receiving same from President Shehu Shagari at the National Stadium, Surulere on Saturday, 22nd March 1980.
