By Joke Kujenya
GRIEF SWEPT through the Nigerian football community as two iconic figures of the country’s golden generation—Christian Chukwu and Charles Bassey—passed away on the same day, marking a harrowing chapter in national sporting history.
Christian Chukwu, former Super Eagles captain and head coach, died on Saturday in Enugu at the age of 74.
His death was confirmed by his longtime teammate Segun Odegbami, who described him as “one of the greatest football players in Nigeria’s history.”
Fondly called “Chairman” for his commanding leadership, Chukwu captained Nigeria to its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980, lifting the Unity Cup before a jubilant home crowd at the National Stadium in Lagos.
That moment, forever etched in national memory, was the culmination of years of gritty football under his stewardship.
He was named Player of the Tournament.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) described him as a “strong, dedicated, and disciplined leader on and off the field.”
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, in a tribute, said, “We have lost a good and great man.
He embodied strength, vision, and consistency. We pray the Almighty grants his soul eternal rest and fortitude to the family and football fraternity.”
Nicknamed “Chairman” by late broadcaster Ernest Okonkwo, Chukwu’s influence extended beyond the pitch.
He coached Kenya’s national team in 1998, led Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2004 AFCON, and later served as General Manager and CEO of Enugu Rangers.
Despite his dismissal in 2005 during the World Cup qualifying campaign, his legacy remained untouched.
In 2019, national attention turned to Chukwu’s failing health. Public concern mounted as images of the ailing football legend emerged, prompting businessman Femi Otedola to fund his treatment at Wellington Hospital in London.
Though he recovered momentarily, Chukwu’s health never fully stabilised.
He was honoured with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contributions to Nigerian sport.
Throughout his life, he remained a vocal, humble commentator on Nigerian football, shaping discourse long after retirement.
Charles Bassey Passes On, Same Day
Just hours after Chukwu’s passing, the NFF announced the death of Charles Bassey, another member of the victorious 1980 Green Eagles squad.
Bassey died at 71 in his hometown of Eket, Akwa Ibom State, after a prolonged illness.
The NFF called it “a day of double tragedy,” with Dr. Sanusi stating, “We lost ‘Chairman’ Chukwu earlier in the day; now, we have to mourn Charles Bassey. May God Almighty grant their souls eternal rest.”
Bassey, a forward in the 22-man squad that defeated Algeria 3–0 in 1980, transitioned into coaching after retirement.
His resume included stints at Wikki Tourists, Calabar Rovers, Flash Flamingoes, BCC Lions, and Mobil Pegasus, shaping young talent across Nigerian clubs.
List of 1980 AFCON Winning Team Gone
With Bassey’s death, nine members of Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON-winning team have now passed away.
Others include goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong; defenders Okechukwu Isima, Tunde Bamidele, and Christian Chukwu; midfielders Mudashiru Lawal and Aloysius Atugbu; and striker Martins Eyo.
Chukwu’s journey began in Obe, Nkanu West, Enugu State, where he was born in 1951.
He led Enugu Rangers to the African Cup Winners Cup in 1977, served as assistant coach during Nigeria’s historic 1994 FIFA World Cup debut, and mentored the 1985 Golden Eaglets—Nigeria’s first world champions.
While the cause of his death remains undisclosed, his passing, confirmed at the Niger Foundation Hospital in Enugu, is described as leaving a void that generations to come may struggle to fill.
Burial arrangements have yet to be announced.
