Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has called on young athletes, particularly aspiring footballers, to embrace discipline as a cornerstone of their careers.
He made this call during a novelty match held in honour of late Nigerian football legend, Christian Chukwu, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
The event, which drew a large crowd of football fans, featured a friendly match between Ex-Rangers International players and Enugu All Stars.
Though the game ended in a goalless draw, the atmosphere was charged with emotion and respect for Chukwu, who passed away on April 12, 2025, at the age of 74.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Mbah, the Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Dr. Felix Nnamani, described the match as a fitting tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on Nigerian and African football.
“The life and legacy of Christian Chukwu continue to inspire us,” said Mbah.
“He was not just a football icon, but a disciplined and hardworking ambassador for the game, Enugu State, Nigeria, and Africa as a whole.”
Mbah emphasized that Chukwu’s generation set a high standard of professionalism and discipline, qualities he urged today’s young players to emulate.
He also pledged the state’s commitment to preserving Chukwu’s legacy.
“Enugu State Government, under my administration, will ensure that this great man is immortalised. His contributions to football will never be forgotten,” Mbah stated.
The governor noted the presence of many former national team players, retired professionals, and fans at the event as evidence of the deep respect Chukwu commanded throughout his life.
“This overwhelming turnout speaks volumes about the kind of leader and person he was—disciplined, committed, and a unifying figure,” he added.
Chukwu’s former teammate from the Green Eagles, Dominic Nwobodo, popularly known as Alhaji, described him as a “captain who led with love and unity.”
“He gave his all, both as a player and later as a coach, ensuring that football brought joy to Nigerians and continued to grow,” Nwobodo said.
Also speaking at the event, Chief Victor Atuonwu, former Chief Liaison Officer between Rangers International and the Enugu State Government, praised Chukwu’s patriotism and lifelong dedication to the sport.
“The match is a worthy tribute to a deserving legend, whose legacy continues to uplift football not just in Nigeria but globally,” Atuonwu noted.
A minute of silence was observed in Chukwu’s memory, followed by prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Known affectionately as “Chairman,” Christian Chukwu captained the Nigerian national team (then the Green Eagles) from 1974 to 1980.
He led Nigeria to its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1980 and was also part of the squads that finished as runners-up in 1976 and 1978.
In his coaching career, Chukwu managed the Kenyan national team in 1998 and later coached Nigeria from 2003 to 2005, reaching the semifinals of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations. He also managed Enugu Rangers and served as the club’s General Manager and CEO.
