Enugu State Honours Football Legend Christian Chukwu With Burial Committee And Funeral Programme.
The Enugu State Government, in collaboration with the family of the late Christian Chukwu, MFR, has established a Central Planning Committee to oversee the funeral arrangements for the revered Nigerian football icon, who passed away on 12 April 2025 at the age of 74. The announcement, made on Friday, 19 July 2025, includes a detailed programme of events to honour the legacy of the former Super Eagles captain and coach, known affectionately as “Chairman” for his commanding presence on and off the pitch.
Chukwu, a towering figure in Nigerian football, captained the Green Eagles to their historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory, Nigeria’s first major continental title, and led Enugu Rangers to multiple domestic and continental triumphs, including the 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup. As a coach, he managed both Rangers and the Super Eagles, guiding the latter to a bronze medal at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia. His contributions also extended to international roles, including coaching Kenya’s Harambee Stars and assisting in Nigeria’s 1985 FIFA U-16 World Cup victory in China.
The Central Planning Committee, chaired by Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, the Enugu State Commissioner for Sports, has outlined a week-long series of events to celebrate Chukwu’s life and legacy. The funeral programme, as released by the committee, is as follows:
– Saturday, 10 August 2025: A Service of Songs will be held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
– Tuesday, 13 August 2025: A Night of Tributes will take place at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
– Wednesday, 14 August 2025: A colloquium titled “Life and Times of Christian Chukwu, the Chairman” will be hosted at the Enugu Sports Club from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, reflecting on his contributions to Nigerian football.
– Thursday, 15 August 2025: A Christian Wake will be held at Chukwu’s country home in Obe, Nkanu West LGA, Enugu State.
– Friday, 16 August 2025: The Lying-in-State and Burial Ceremony will take place at his country home in Obe, starting at 9:00 AM.
– Saturday, 17 August 2025: A Thanksgiving Service will conclude the programme at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Obe, at 10:00 AM.
The date of 16 August 2025 was confirmed by Chukwu’s son, Emeka Christian Chukwu Jr., following a rescheduling from the initially planned 22 August due to a clash with the Nigerian Bar Association conference hosted by the Enugu State Government from 22–28 August 2025. The family expressed apologies for any inconvenience caused by the change.
Barr. Alexander Egbo, Secretary of the Central Planning Committee, and Monday Diamond Ani, Chairman of the Committee on Media and Publicity, have called on fans, admirers, and associates to join in honouring Chukwu’s remarkable legacy. “His discipline, patriotism, and leadership united Nigeria across ethnic and religious divides,” Egbo noted, urging widespread participation in the events.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has pledged full participation in the burial, with a delegation visiting the family in May 2025 to coordinate plans. Gusau described Chukwu as a “national hero whose legacy will endure,” emphasising his selfless service to Nigerian football.
Tributes have poured in from across Nigeria, with President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah among those mourning Chukwu’s passing. Mbah called him a “football titan and phenomenon” whose exploits united the nation, while Tinubu praised his passion and commitment to national pride. Condolence registers have been opened in Enugu, Lagos, and Abuja to allow Nigerians to pay their respects.
The Enugu State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has also committed to working closely with the burial committee to ensure comprehensive coverage, reflecting Chukwu’s monumental impact. As Nigeria prepares to bid farewell to one of its greatest sporting heroes, the events promise to be a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy continues to inspire generations.