Christian Chukwu: We Have Lost a Football Icon, Says Akpabio

*He sacrificed all for sports, country, Obi declaresChuks Okocha and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has described the death of a former captain of Nigeria’s Men’s National Football team, the Green Eagles, Mr Christian Chukwu, as the loss of a national and international football icon.
At the same time, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last general election, Peter Obi, said he sacrificed all for football and country.
Akpabio stated in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Jackson Udom, said, “We mourn the loss of a Nigerian football icon; Christian Chukwu. As a pioneering defender and former Green Eagles captain, he etched his name in the annals of Nigerian football history.
“His leadership, skill, and dedication inspired countless fans and paved the way for future generations. I’m deeply saddened by his passage. He was a legendary Nigerian footballer. His contributions to Nigerian football are immeasurable.
“As a pioneering defender and former Green Eagles captain, he etched his name in the annals of Nigerian football history. His leadership, skill, and dedication inspired countless fans and paved the way for future generations.
Obi in his X post, said, the late captain of Green Eagles sacrificed for football and in service for his country, Nigeria.
”I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing to the greater glory of Christian Chukwu, one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons.’
”Fondly known in football parlance as ‘Field Marshal’ and ‘Chairman’, he was not just a remarkable footballer but also an extraordinary leader who captained and coached the national team and his beloved club, Rangers International of Enugu, with distinction.
”His skill, discipline, and dedication to the beautiful game brought pride to our nation and joy to millions of fans across Africa and beyond.
”Beyond his playing days, Christian Chukwu continued to serve the game as a coach and mentor, nurturing young talents and contributing immensely to the development of football in Nigeria.
”His life was marked by resilience and patriotism, and his legacy will remain a shining example of what it means to represent one’s country with honour and integrity,” he stated
He also lamented the death of another footballer, saying, ”Just a few weeks ago, Rangers suffered another profound loss, with the death of another Captain, Christian Isiadinso, who passed away in March.

”Christian Chukwu and Christian Isiadinso sacrificed everything for sports and our nation, both embodying the spirit of resilience and patriotism.”