- Untold story of a ‘disciplinarian, humour merchant’
- Close confidant shares rare anecdotes
- Family begins burial rites for soccer legend
- Nwobodo begs government to immortalize him
Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, former captain of Rangers International of Enugu and Green Eagles of Nigeria who breathed his last breath last Saturday (April 12) at 74, would forever be remembered by friends and associates for varied reasons.
Many would easily recall that he was a generalissimo in his heydays on the pitch for both Rangers and the Green Eagles which he led to many conquests particularly the country’s first continental silverware, the Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 in front of the home fans at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
But behind his tough as nail disposition on the field, ‘Chairman’ Chukwu according to one of his close confidants, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu, a veteran journalist and public affairs analyst, the erstwhile national team captain was not only a disciplinarian but a man with an infectious sense of humour.
Anueyiagu reckoned these were some of the qualities that helped Chukwu to withstand the vicissitudes of life as well as the arduous task of coaching both at club and country levels.
Anueyiagu, a friend of almost four decades to the ‘Chairman’ as Chukwu was so nicknamed during his illustrious career, said the legendary former Nigeria International was not only a very humble person but was endowed with native intelligence coupled with a deep sense of humour.
“Though, I was following Christian Chukwu’s playing career in the 1970s but we became very close friends in 1986, 39 years ago, when my journalism career brought us together when as a Sports writer had an occasion to interview him as the then Chief Coach of Rangers International,” Anueyiagu told NationSports. “Chukwu was not only very humble but was naturally endowed with native intelligence with deep sense of humour.
“He was totally committed to football, Rangers International, the Nigeria’s national team and global football in general.”
Despite his towering figure on the pitch and a household name across the length and breadth of Nigeria and the Africa continent at large, Anueyiagu said Chukwu loved his privacy so much.
“Of course, as a man he had his love life which he kept so private because as he often said ‘it’s not a public matter,” Anueyiagu further said.
“Most recently and until he was indisposed before his eventual death, we used to see on a daily basis at our common ground at Uwani, later at New Haven and last Trans Ekulu, all here in Enugu,”
Anueyiagu recalled Chukwu’s last moments, saying: “His health deteriorated recently and when he went for a routine check with his doctor, the doctor not feeling pleasant with the condition of his health, he admitted him in the hospital for some days; he was discharged and was recovering well.
“Even as last Sunday, April 6, 2025 when in company of my wife I visited him at his Trans Ekulu Enugu residence. He was still in his humorous and intelligent self during the visit.
“I fondly called him Dikeejiejemba (the people’s Warrior) and he would in return, call me Abuchi International, whenever we met and exchanged pleasantries in the usual Igbo traditional chieftaincy title holders’ style.”
Anueyiagu said Chukwu had excellent inter-personal relationship with people even as he shared an unforgettable experience when he visited him in the 1980s when he was the assistant coach to late Sebastian Brodericks while they were preparing the country’s cadet team for the inaugural FIFA U-16 World Cup which was eventually won by Nigeria at China 1985.
“I remember what he told me in his characteristic humorous manner when I visited him at the national U-17 team’s training camp,” Anueyiagu. “They had served him lunch in a very hoi polloi plastic plate with a similar cup for water to drink and I, feeling very disgusted with the plate and cup, I asked him: “Chair, is this the type of plate they used to serve you food?’
“Of course, I felt he should be angry but he only demonstrated his life of simplicity and modesty and responded to me in his jovial way.
“He then said: ‘Do you remember (name withheld by Abuchi). When he was governor, he used to eat with golden plates and cutlery but today he is in Kirikiri. Is he still eating with golden plates and cutlery in Kirikiri?’ he asked me humorously.
“Also, if there was a situation where someone was angry, not happy or annoyed, he would say something that would make the person not just to smile but laugh. If you say in Igbo, Chukwu ekwena (God forbid or may God never let a particular thing happen), he would reduce it to humour by saying, Mma ekwe (I will not let it happen, that is God will not let it happen) because his name is Chukwu (God Almighty).
“That is his trait, a life of simplicity and modesty.”
Anueyiagu also recalled an encounter between Chukwu and one Enugu-based cantankerous former journalist.
“Despite his simplicity, some journalists still spoke in ill manner against him, among them is one in Enugu who was later an official of Rangers.
“He later came close him and Chukwu warmly welcomed him, and told me: ‘Abuchi, forget him (the journalist). Never mind. After speaking negatively against me, yet he came back. So between him and I, who is greater?’
“Seriously, I lost a dear friend. May his soul rest in peace. Amen,” Anueyiagu added.
Anueyiagu also shed lights on Chukwu’s conduct as he reminiscence about his playing days.
On the side of discipline. During their playing days he never broke any camp rules and regulations, even where his teams would do such things, like sneaking out of camp, smoking, etc.
“He kept his cool and maintained his calmness, yet he had his love life before he got married to his wife who he gave a pet name Eze Nwanyi (Queen), a pet name we his friends joined him call till date. He was so very discreet that someone fondly called him, the Pussy Cat because of his smooth crafty stuff. Staying with him was always a delight,” he said.
Meanwhile, family of the late national team’s captain and coach has commenced the burial rites for the late legend.
Wife of the former soccer star, Mrs. Lilian Queen Chukwu, disclosed as much to our correspondent on a visit to the family’s Trans-Ekulu residence in Enugu.
She said as part of the preparation for the burial, the family had already visited Obe Town in Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State, where the late legend hailed from, to first of all inform his kinsmen about his passing.
She however, declined further comments, as visitors trooped in to pay condolence to the family.
Meanwhile, elder statesman and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Senator Jim Nwobodo, has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immortalise Chukwu for his selfless service to the country and development of Nigerian football.
Nwobodo, who spoke during a condolence visit to the late football legend’s family at their Trans-Ekulu residence in Enugu, emphasised the need for the government to not only honour deceased sports heroes but also cater to the welfare of athletes who served the country in their youth.
“Christian Chukwu was a soccer star, disciplined, committed, and a selfless servant of Nigeria and the Southeast. He and his teammates lifted the spirit of the Igbo people after the civil war and wrote Nigeria’s name in gold through football.”
Nwobodo lamented that many patriotic sportsmen have been neglected after retirement, facing financial and health challenges due to lack of support.
“Femi Otedola had to come from Lagos to pay Chukwu’s medical bills. That’s unacceptable,” Nwobodo lamented.
He stressed the importance of celebrating and supporting heroes while they are alive.
“It’s good to immortalize the dead, but it’s more impactful to reward their service while they are alive. The dead don’t know what happens after they’re gone.”
Nwobodo, who was governor of old Anambra State when Chukwu played for Enugu Rangers, described him as not just the captain of Rangers FC but also of the Green Eagles, later becoming the national team’s coach.
He suggested the establishment of an endowment fund in Chukwu’s honour and called for the recognition of ex-Rangers players who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s football history.
“These players gave their youth and strength to the country. Now that they are old and weak, the country owes them support and recognition, just like other national icons,” he added.
