…Condolence registers opened at Enugu liaison offices nationwide From Geoffrey Anyanwu and Jude Chinedu (Enugu), Tributes have continued to pour in for Nigerian football legend, Christian Chukwu, following news of his death yesterday at the age of 74. Notable personalities, ranging from President Bola Tinubu, state governors, football administrators, cultural leaders and former colleagues, many have described Chukwu’s passing as the fall of an Iroko tree and a monumental loss to Nigerian sports, particularly to the Igbo nation, where his legacy resonates deeply. President Bola Tinubu who expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chukwu, in a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended his condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and the football community, describing him as a towering figure whose contributions elevated Nigeria’s status in global football. Chukwu, fondly nicknamed “Chairman” for his commanding presence on the field, captained Nigeria’s Green Eagles to their first Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1980 and later coached the Super Eagles to a bronze medal in the 2004 edition of the tournament. His club career with Enugu Rangers was equally illustrious, leading the team to multiple national titles and a historic African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph in 1977. President Tinubu praised Chukwu’s legacy as one 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,” Tinubu said. “His legacies will live on in the trophies he won and the lives he touched.” The President also prayed for comfort for Chukwu’s family and urged them to find solace in his enduring legacy as one of Nigeria’s greatest sportsmen. The football community continues to mourn the loss of a true icon whose impact on Nigerian football will never be forgotten. Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, in condolence message said the Nigerian nation has lost a football icon, titan, and phenomenon. The governor who expressed deep grief over the passing away of Chukwu on his verified social media handles, further described him as being patriotism personified. Reacting to the development, Mbah 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. “He was patriotism personified, serving the nation and Africa unreservedly both as a player and coach of the highly successful Rangers International Football Club of Enugu and Super Eagles of Nigeria, which he captained to victory as Green Eagles at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON. He also coached the Harambee Stars, Kenya’s senior male national team, among others.” Stressing that the late footballer was selfless in his service, Mbah said: “Chairman, as he was fondly called, gave his all not only to the nation but to the rest of Africa. He wrote his name in gold in the annals of the history of Nigerian and African football. “Our dear legend has gone the way of all mortals, but the fond memories and the pride he gave Ndi Igbo and Nigeria as a whole will be cherished forever. Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the death of Chukwu as a great loss to Nigeria, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, noting that Chukwu was a legend, adding that he would be sorely missed. The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, paid glowing tribute to the late former Super Eagles captain and coach. The National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, described Chukwu as “an ambassador of what an Igbo man represents,” adding, “It’s very unfortunate that we have lost such an iconic figure who added monumental value to Nigerian sports. He was an epitome of pride for both Ndigbo and Nigeria. His legendary contribution to soccer will be remembered for too long. I think he has paid his dues. “He was a role model to thousands of sportsmen and women across Nigeria and Alaigbo who grew under his shadow. We pray that the legacies he left behind will continue to transcend Nigerian sports and inspire generations to come,” he said. A seasoned sports administrator and former Chairman of Rangers International, Steve Oruruo said that Chukwu’s death is “the fall of an Iroko.” He described the late footballer as “the height of Nigerian football. He was the captain of the resurgent Rangers, a symbol of the indestructibility of the Igbo race. “Rangers under Chukwu wasn’t just a football team, it was a battalion of warriors making bold statements on the pitch in post-war Nigeria. “He was a consummate leader, a fantastic captain of both Rangers and the national team, and a rock at the heart of any defense,” Oruruo said. Also reacting, former Enugu State Commissioner and sports enthusiast, Ray Nnaji, expressed deep sorrow over the news. “Christian Chukwu’s passing is a very big loss. I know he was 74, which is a commendable age, but we would have loved him to stay longer. “I thought he had fully recovered after Mike Adenuga supported his treatment abroad. I’m shocked. May God grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said. Meanwhile, Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, where Chukwu spent most of his playing and coaching career, has declared a period of mourning in honour of their legendary icon. In a press statement signed by the club’s Media Officer, Norbert Okolie, the club said: “This is a devastating loss, not only for Rangers but for the entire football family. Chairman Christian Chukwu was a towering figure, a symbol of resilience, excellence, and leadership.” The club’s Chief Executive, Amobi Ezeaku, revealed that Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has directed the opening of condolence registers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and all Enugu State Liaison Offices across the country. “Chairman Chukwu’s legacy is forever etched in the story of Rangers and Nigerian football. He led Rangers to domestic and continental triumphs and captained Nigeria to her first AFCON title in 1980. His contributions as a coach also included a bronze finish at the 2004 AFCON and coaching stints with clubs and national teams,” Ezeaku said. He added: “Beyond his accomplishments, Chairman was humility personified. His passion for Nigerian football never waned. We are committed to honoring his extraordinary legacy and ensuring the dream he lived for, a strong, united Rangers and a thriving Nigerian football, is sustained.” Chukwu is survived by four children and countless admirers across the world of sports.