CHUKWU, Christian
Date of Birth: Thursday (Afo) 4′”January, 1951 State of Origin: Enugu Local Government Area: Enugu South Chairman Christian Chukwu isagifted and successful footballer, football administrator, coach, and technical manager. Chukwu came into limelight in the 1970s playing at the midfield for the then Enugu Rangers International (A.K.A. Flying Antelopes) before being invited tojoin the National Team – the then Green Eagles. Helaterrose to captain then and eventually coached them and took them to many world tournaments. Education Christian Chukwu attended Christ Church Primary School Uvvani. Enugu: National Secondary School. Nike. Enugu: joined East Central State Academicals and won National cup. Football Carrer In 1975, he became the Captain ofhis Club – the Enugu Rangers. His personal charisma and leadership style as well as team work brought fortune to his club during his captainship. He led his Club to win the Challenge Cup four times in 1975. 1976. 1981 and 1983 respectively. He isregarded as the most successful skipper in Nigeria of his time and holds the record ofa Captain that has won the coveted Challenge Cup four times. His Club won the Africa CupWinner’s Cup in 1977 under Chukwu’s Captainship. Christian Chukwu is a man ofextraordinary talent and strength. He was tireless in the pitch. His resilience kept his team mates always focused. Ile was not only aprofessional footballer who was committed lo the game; he was also an able administrator ofhis mates. He isacompassionate and charismatic leader. He also has stood as an outspoken and bold figure whose towering physique held on to the game even when others are about to quit. Christian is a gentleman who always smiled and respected both colleagues and elders. His humility in and out ofthe pitch won him the admiration ofthe fans. His indomitable will to lead and motivate others earned him the nick name “Chairman” as his colleagues saw him as an Anchor of Hope when he stood at the Midfield. Chukwu’s success story went on to the point ofhis being appointed the Captain ofthe Nigerian National Team- the then Green Eagles – now the Super Eagles. Under him the National Team won African Nations Cup in 1980 for the first time ever. Their Victory ofthe African Cup ofNations in 1980 earned him and theentire team the National Award of Member ofthe Order ofthe Niger (MON). Chairman Christian Chukwu retired from active football after their glorious victories in 1980 but was recalled to beef up the Green Eagles Defence line during the qualifying series ofthe World Cup Tournament Espana 82. Unfortunately, his team did not qualify. Christian Chukwu as a Coach In 1985, Christian Chukwu took up the responsibility ofCoaching ihe Rangers International Club. The same year, the Nigeria Football Association took him overto assist the National Coach ofthe National Under 17. Heworked under Bala Shalakin as an assistant to Brodericks Imaseun to win the maiden edition ofthe global tournaments. He later joined the ASESA Warriors of Enugu. as Coach and took theclubfrom Division Three Level to DivisionOne. That Club sponsored him to attend a Coaching Course in Germany. • He worked with Clemens Westerhofas and assistant Coach from 1989 1995 during which the National Teamwent to the WorldCup for the first time in the United States in 1994and winning the NationsCup for the second time in Tunisia the same year. • He was coaching SAFAFC, a Lebanese First DivisionTeamand took the team off relegation • He took the Kenyan National Team – Harambee Stars and brought them up, though the contract did not end smoothly. • In 2004, he was appointed ChiefCoach ofSuper Eagles of Nigeria. He prepared the Eagles for African Nations Cup in Tunisia and they won a bronze medal. • Ahumble gentle man, a great achiever, a man who is press-shy and would never complain even at the heat ofgreat opposition. He has creditably proved an honest and hard working man who is an Icon to be emulated. • He still stands out as one ofthe greatest footballers and Coaches Nigeria and Africa have produced. Christian is a Christian ofthe Anglican Faith and is married with children.
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