By Bolaji Okunola Born 4th of January, 1951, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu as he was fondly called by men from all walks of life might have been decorated with several medals including the 1980 AFCON medal, 1974 Nigerian league gold medal, 1976 Nigeria FA Cup medalist and 1977 African’s Cup Winners Cup laurel and others but it is best remember as the first Nigerian player to lift the an African Cup of Nations trophy as captain of the then role Green Eagles of Nigeria. Many still idolized his image while lifting the trophy in ecstasy before the then Nigeria’s president, Shehu Shagari inside the main bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Having narrated his usual profile, here are the hidden facts of the former national team captain and coach who died on Saturday, 12th of April at age 74. Like an average Nigerian child, Chukwu spent his childhood between Robinson and kenyatta street in Enugu. He and his siblings are bought up in a christain way which saw them attend an Anglican Church in the community. He attended Christ Church Primary school, Uwani, after which he proceeded to National grammar school, Nike, same in Enugu. Football foundation: His love for football was noticed at the famous Ngwo Park where kids and adults gathers to play every evening. The park has the reputation of producing most of the great players who have played for Rangers, Vasco and the then Green Eagles. During his primary school days, he became captain of the team and led them to many victories. He was always every where in the pitch, dribbling from defence to the attack and scoring wonderful goals. Breakthrough: After his thrilling and spectacular display, Chukwu came in contact with legendary Nigeria’s soccer star, Dan Anyiam who changed his fortune in soccer. Mr Anyiam congratulated him and gave a leather football with the aim of inspiring him to success. To Chukwu, this was the greatest gift he ever received. It was not surprising, when years later, he became the man who brought Chukwu to stardom when he recruited him into Rangers International and the rest become an history. Struggles during Biafra war: It is believed their is no success without struggles. One of the unforgettable struggle witnessed by the deceased was the 1967 Nigeria civil war. The uproar almost halted Chukwueze’s journey to stardom. That same year, as Enugu and its environ came under federal attack, Chukwu joined his parents in agonising journey for survival. After several days, they finally ended up in Uga in Anambra state as refugees. Within a very short period of their stay in Uga, Chukwu’s popularity in soccer had spread like wild fire. His brilliant and amazing soccer artistry soon became a regular source of entertainment for his community and the refugees. Chukwu and members of his family had lived happily within the limits of what they could afford in a war situation, till the day he was dramtically conscripted into Biafran Airforce. This forceful separation brought terrible agony to the family, but fate intervened, and instead of being drafted to the war front, he was posted to Uli airport after his initial training at Ikenanziz. Chukwu noted that apart from the absence of basic flight landing aids at the airport, the runways had no lighting system. As a result, whenever there was going to be a night landing, they would put lanterns along the runways. And surprisingly the aircraft would land safely. After his bitter experience during the war, he reshaped himself and returned to his calling. Origin of his nickname ‘Chairman’: It’s no news that Chukwu’s nickname, ‘Chairman’ was originated by late ace broadcaster and sports commentator, Ernest Okonkwo who gave him the alias but many are yet to know the reason behind it. Chukwu in an interview before his death, narrated how he acquired such. In his words: Each person had his own skills … like Adokie, like Muda Lawal, like Segun. That’s why the late Ernest Okonkwo gave all of us nicknames. “He called Segun ‘Mathematical Odegbami,’ because he could dribble anyone easily. He called Adokie ‘Chief Justice,’ because he was a law student. “He called Alloysius ‘Blockbuster,’ because of how powerfully shielded the ball; and so on with many other players in our team. “He gave them names because of the way they played, their performances and where they specialised in. “That was how he also gave me ‘Chairman,’ because I stayed at the back and controlled the team. So on and so forth.” He reminisced further that he was inspired to perform better during each game because of Okonkwo’s words, which he recalled were based on what the commentator saw in his game at that time. “It’s the way he saw me that made him give me that name. “He gave me that name because of the way he saw me talking to my colleagues in the field, controlling the pace, my behaviour and everything about me. “He said ‘This guy must be a genius,’ so he gave me Chairman and sometimes added Field Marshal. “I could not say no, because he felt it was a good fit that described the way I played; and that’s how it has stuck up till today,” Chukwu concluded. His ailment and fund raising: It was gathered Chukwu in 2019 was down with an undisclosed ailment which saw section of the media published he needs $50,000 to be flown to the United States of America to undergo surgery and for other medical treatment. This was brought to light following an appeal made by Benson Ejindu, the patron of former Enugu Rangers players association, both in Nigeria and all over the world. “Christian “Chairman” Chukwu, who captained the famous Enugu Rangers International FC and the Nigeria national team in the 1970s and early 1980s, needs a different type of support – your financial support. Your support, no matter how small, will offset the cost of surgeries and treatments to restore his debilitating health,” said Ejindu. “I am asking you to join me, this time around, in raising funds for Chairman Chukwu, who is currently in Nigeria receiving treatments for various ailments. Your financial support will help fly him to the United States for better treatment. “We are hoping to raise about $50,000 to cover Christian Chukwu’s round trip flight from Nigeria and all the medical expenses. Leftover funds will help set up a health and welfare account for all Ex Rangers Players.” Although it was later gathered a sum of $2,850 was raised by soccer enthusiasts before his last breath.