Late Christian Chukwu: Mbah, Ohaneze PG, Prominent Nigerians to Pay Tribute to the Football Icon at Night of Tribute
The governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Ohaneze President-General, John Azuta-Mbata, and other prominent Nigerians will be present to pay tribute to the late football coach, Christian Chukwu, at the Night of Tribute.
The event, organized by the Enugu State Government in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation, will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the International Conference Center (ICC), Enugu, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Night of Tribute, part of a week-long funeral programme celebrating the life and legacy of Christian Chukwu, is expected to attract football lovers, former teammates, football administrators, and notable dignitaries from sports and political circles who will pay their respects to the former Super Eagles captain and coach, who passed away recently after a prolonged illness.
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 burial includes:
- Sunday, August 10, 2025 – Service of Songs at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu (4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
- Wednesday, August 13, 2025 – Night of Tributes at ICC, Enugu (4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
- Thursday, August 14, 2025 – Colloquium: “Life and Times of Christian Chukwu, the Chairman” at Enugu Sports Club, Enugu (10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
- Friday, August 15, 2025 – Novelty Football Match at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu (9:00 a.m.), followed by Christian Wake at his country home, Obe, Nkanu West LGA, Enugu State.
- Saturday, August 16, 2025 – Lying-in-State/Burial Ceremony at his country home, Obe, Nkanu West LGA (9:00 a.m. prompt).
- Sunday, August 17, 2025 – Thanksgiving Service at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Obe (10:00 a.m.).
Coach Christian Chukwu’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes and Nigerians alike.
