Chief Jeo Martins Uzodike, a former secretary and player for Rangers International Football Club, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Christian Chukwu, lamenting that the football legend died without a home.
This is as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed its condolences over the demise of Chukwu.
Uzodike stated that in the span of just one year, four Nigerian football superstars passed away, attributing their deaths to the lack of proper care and attention in their old age.
Christian Chukwu passed away at the Niger Foundation Hospital in Enugu on Saturday.
According to Uzodike, Chukwu and the other players who died in such a short period shared a common trait: they played football in Nigeria with a sense of patriotism, not for material gain.
“Christian Chukwu was discovered at Nike Grammar School in Enugu and was brought in to play for Rangers.
“He later went on to coach the club and eventually became the captain of the Green Eagles.
“He led the team to win Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations and also won the Cup as a coach.
“He spoke to some of us just three days ago, and little did we know that would be the last time we would hear from him. He had been ill for some time, as many players from his era have also been, and this is largely due to the physical toll football took on them.
“We have lost four of these legends in just one year: Christian Isiadinso, Kenneth Abana, Mecha, and now Chukwu. They are all going in quick succession. Emele also passed away recently, and it is evident that life is fleeting,” Uzodike lamented.
However, Uzodike acknowledged the support that former players have received from successive administrations in Anambra State.
He praised the initiative that began under former Governor Peter Obi, who started paying monthly stipends to these players, regardless of their state of origin.
“Peter Obi initiated the stipend programme, paying N13,000 monthly. Governor Willie Obiano raised it to N15,000, and now Governor Charles Soludo has further increased it to N100,000 per month.
“They have all done their part, even though Christian Chukwu was not from Anambra State. He was from Obe in Enugu State. Mecha was from Abia State, and when he passed on Peter Obi bought land for his burial. What remains now is to build a house for him.”Uzodike said.
Uzodike also highlighted that many of the older footballers played for the love of their country, not for financial gain, which is why they did not accumulate wealth or own homes.
“Today, players earn millions of naira, but the players from Chukwu’s generation played for patriotism, not money. A prime example is the late Christian Nwokocha, who died without a house, and we had to build one for him in Nawfia, Anambra State.
“This is the harsh reality for many former players, who are often forgotten for their contributions to the country. It’s truly sad,” Uzodike lamented.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed profound sorrow following the confirmation of the death of Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, who captained Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)-winning team and later coached the national squad. Chukwu passed away in his native city of Enugu on early Saturday morning.
Nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for his commanding presence and authoritative leadership both at the club level with Enugu Rangers and on the national team, Chukwu was a towering figure in Nigerian football.
Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the General Secretary of the NFF, paid tribute to Chukwu, stating, “We have lost a good and great man.
“Chukwu epitomized strength, discipline, and dedication, both on and off the field. He was not called ‘Chairman’ without reason—he embodied authority, vision, and consistency.”
Dr. Sanusi further added, “We pray that the Almighty grants his soul eternal rest, and we also ask for strength for his family, friends, and the entire football fraternity in Nigeria as we bear this profound loss.”
His passing comes exactly 20 days after the 45th anniversary of Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON victory.
Chukwu is survived by the memories of his contributions to Nigerian football, alongside other late members of the victorious 1980 squad, including goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong, defenders Okechukwu Isima and Tunde Bamidele, midfielders Aloysius Atuegbu and Mudashiru Lawal, and forward Martins Eyo.
@ The Recorder
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