- Former Harambee Stars head coach Christian Chukwu died on April 12 in Enugu's native village in Nigeria
- Chukwu was a prominent defender who served as Nigerian captain in their first African Nations Cup final in 1980
- He later served as the head coach of Harambee Stars in 1998, and became the first African, who was not Kenyan, to the Harambee Stars
Former coach of Harambee Stars Christian Chukwu has died.
Source: Getty Images
Chukwu's death was confirmed on Saturday afternoon, making his country of origin of Nigeria and the whole continent in mourning.
Who was Christian Chukwu?
Christian Chukwu Okoro was a former defender who played for the Nigerian football team and later taught them. Born in Enugu on January 4, 1951, he led his country, at the time known as the Green Eagles, between 1974 and 1980.
As captain, he ended as the second winners of the African Cup of Nations in 1976 and 1978 before winning 1980, Nigeria being the first winner.
He was appointed Harambee Stars coach in 1998.
How did Christian Chukwu die?
The description of Chukwu's death is still few, but he died in his village of Enugu, southeastern Nigeria.
Nigeria mourned Christian Chukwu
The Super Eagles took over X to mourn their winner, who was nicknamed 'Chairman'.
'Captain' 'Chairman' 'Chairman' 'Our coach' has left. A true eagle. NFF mourns as 'chairman' Christian Chukwu, the winning captain Afcon 1980, ” It read part of the statement.
Christian Chukwu's success
The statement continued to focus on what the 74 -year -old was successful in his profession.
“He was nicknamed 'Chairman' because of his great presence and the authority he gave in front of the back guards of both clubs (Enugu Rangers) and the country, Christian Chukwu was very happy when he lifted up his head in the Unity Cup (the first time Nigeria won the Continental Championship) after receiving the same President Shehu Shagari, March 29.
“Chukwu was in the Nigerian senior team that finished third in the 1976 and 1978 AFCON finals in Ethiopia and Ghana, before leading the squad to win the homeland in 1980. He was crowned the best player of the tournament.”
Source: Getty Images
Chukwu praised for creating a powerful Super Eagles
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Nigerian journalist Samson Osaze praised Chukwu for forming the foundation of a solid Super Eagles team.
“Christian Chukwu's farewell is a major loss for the Nigerian football club as a whole. He was very important in forming the foundation of what we call today a successful Super Eagles team.”
“The 'chairman's influence,' as he was called happily, did not end in his football years.
Osaze reminded of Chukwu's media meetings and the words of the touch, choosing his power as something he will miss most.
“It is obviously a major disadvantage for Nigerian football circles. His interesting personality, his meetings with journalists, and many things he often compares to his time as a national team coach will be missing.”
“It's a sad time.
Nigerian President mourned Chukwu
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu joined and sent condolences to friends and family of 'Chairman'.
“President Bola Tinubu apologizes to family, friends, and Nigerian soccer players Christian Chukwu, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 74, leaving a gap in the hearts of many football fans”
The most successful coaches with Harambee Stars
TUKO.co.ke has also reported on the most successful Harambee Stars coaches.
Benni McCarthy was appointed in March for a two -year contract trying to lead the country to success in the next major tournament on home land.
Kenya will host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and AFCON as well as Tanzania and Uganda.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
