Former Anambra governor Chris Ngige feels deep sadness about football star Christian Chukwu passing away Saturday at 74. He sees Chukwu as someone who helped create modern Nigerian football. Chukwu brought fame to Nigeria through his skills on the field. He won trophies during the 1970s and 1980s as a team captain. His leadership extended to both the national team and the Enugu Rangers club.
Ngige remembers Chukwu from their school days. He led the Green Eagles with teammates like Emmanuel Okala and Segun Odegbami. The team captured the African Cup of Nations trophy for the first time in 1980, after near misses in earlier tournaments. Before that win, Chukwu helped Enugu Rangers grab the African Cup Winners Cup in 1977.
Ngige describes him as talented and committed despite little money in football back then. After playing, Chukwu worked as an assistant coach for teams that won major competitions. He inspired many professional players who looked up to him. Ngige offers sympathy to his family in Enugu State and condolences to football organizations across Nigeria.
Ngige remembers Chukwu from their school days. He led the Green Eagles with teammates like Emmanuel Okala and Segun Odegbami. The team captured the African Cup of Nations trophy for the first time in 1980, after near misses in earlier tournaments. Before that win, Chukwu helped Enugu Rangers grab the African Cup Winners Cup in 1977.
Ngige describes him as talented and committed despite little money in football back then. After playing, Chukwu worked as an assistant coach for teams that won major competitions. He inspired many professional players who looked up to him. Ngige offers sympathy to his family in Enugu State and condolences to football organizations across Nigeria.
