As one of Nigerian football legends, Christian Chukwu, celebrates his landmark 70 years birthday in his Enugu country home, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, has heaped encomiums on Chairman Chukwu as he is fondly called, describing him as a true legend and patriotic icon who served the country meritoriously.
In a statement signed by the Minister, Dare said, “Congratulations to a patriotic, dedicated, disciplined and committed Nigerian, Chairman Christian Chukwu as he attains the landmark age of 70 years. You not only worked hard to win laurels for club and country, you also brought glory and honour to our dear nation as a coach.
“Your sense of duty, patriotism and service to our dear fatheland was not only exemplary, but infectious. You are indeed a great role model who impacted on your generation and those after you positively. No words are enough to describe you. As you celebrate your birthday, on behalf of Mr. President and all Nigerians, we wish you many happy returns, more blessings, long life in sound mind and body. May your labour not be in vain”.
Chukwu led Nigeria to win the 1980 Nations Cup on home soil and was decorated Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by former President, late Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari.
He was a member of the 1985 U- 16 Kodak World cup winning coaching team under late Coach Sebastian Brodericks- Imasuen. Served as assistant to Clemency Westerhof when the Eagles won the 1994 Nations Cup in Tunisia and was also the assistant when the Super appeared at their maiden World Cup in 1994 in America where they reached second round and voted the second most entertaining team of the tournament.
He was the coach of the Super Eagles to the AFCoN in 2004 where the team won bronze and Captain Jay Jay Okocha won the player of the tournament.
Chukwu captained and coached Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, winning many laurels and the African Cup winners Cup in 1977.
