The Enugu State Government, in collaboration with the family of late Chairman Christian Chukwu, MFR, has approved the constitution of a Central Planning Committee (CPC) to coordinate the funeral arrangements for the departed football legend.
The committee which is chaired by the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, with Barr Alexander Egbo as secretary, comprises eminent figures drawn from government and the sporting community.
Christian Chukwu, fondly known as “Chairman,” was a towering figure in Nigerian football. He captained the national team to its first Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1980 and led Enugu Rangers to multiple domestic and continental triumphs in the 1970s. As coach, he managed both Rangers and the Super Eagles, cementing his status as a national sports icon whose leadership, discipline, and passion left an indelible mark on Nigerian football.
The approved programme of events for the funeral ceremony is as follows:
BURIAL PROGRAMME FOR LATE COACH CHRISTIAN CHUKWU (MFR)
• Sunday, 10th August 2025
Service of Songs
Venue: St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday, 13th August 2025
Night of Tributes
Venue: International Conference Centre, Enugu
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Thursday, 14th August 2025
Colloquium: “Life and Times of Christian Chukwu, the Chairman”
Venue: Enugu Sports Club, Enugu
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Friday, 15th August 2025
Novelty Football Match
Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu
Time: 9:00 AM
Christian Wake
Venue: His country home, Obe, Nkanu West LGA, Enugu State
• Saturday, 16th August 2025
Lying-in-State / Burial Ceremony
Venue: His country home, Obe, Nkanu West LGA
Time: 9:00 AM Prompt
• Sunday, 17th August 2025
Thanksgiving Service
Venue: St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Obe
Time: 10:00 AM
Coach Christian Chukwu’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes and Nigerians alike. The committee calls on all admirers, fans, and associates to join in honouring a true legend.
• Barr. Alexander Egbo
Secretary, Central Planning Committee
Tel: 0803 427 9067
• Monday Diamond Ani
Chairman, Committee on Media and Publicity
Tel: 0803 784 2794
Signed:
Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu
Hon. Commissioner for Sports, Enugu State/ Chairman,
Central Planning Committee
Date: 17th July 2025
