By Abbanobi -Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the death of Christian Chukwu, former captain of Nigeria’s Men’s National Football team, as the loss of a national and international football icon. Chukwu passed away on Saturday at the age of 74, according to a press statement from Jackson Udom Special Assistant to the Senate on Media on Sunday.
Akpabio expressed his condolences in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Jackson Udom, saying, “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.
Chukwu’s contributions to Nigerian football are immeasurable, according to Akpabio, adding that he led the Super Eagles to their inaugural Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory on home soil in 1980, a testament to his exceptional leadership and skill.
On behalf of the Nigerian Senate, Akpabio extended his heartfelt condolences to Chukwu’s family, friends, and the entire football community, praying that God grants them the strength to bear this irreparable loss. “May Christian Chukwu’s soul rest in perfect peace,” he added.
