All is now set for the celebration of one of the iconic Nigerian football legends and former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu’s conferment as Member of Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR) by the federal government.
The celebration slated for Friday, June 23, 2023, at Sports Club Garden Avenue, Enugu, is being organised by the enthusiasts and stakeholders of the round game from Nigeria and beyond.
Chukwu, fondly called ‘Chairman’ during his playing days by admirers , was among the 340 Nigerians and friends of the country former President Muhammadu Buhari confirmed the 2023 Special National Honour Award on May 28, the last day of his administration.
An interesting and thrilling book written on the African football legend Christian Chukwu will be unveiled that day.
Briefing sports writers on Monday in his office in Enugu, an event packaging guru and broadcaster, Mr Emeka Mba, said the book presentation/ launching will kickstart with the planned book tour which will see the book being presented to some parts of the country based on the status of Chukwu.
Mr Mba, the CEO of Afia Television described Christian Chukwu as “ undoubtedly one of the greatest African football legend of all time and that he has also recorded his name in the good book of history as a player, coach and administrator.
According to him, Chairman Chukwu led Rangers FC to win its first and only continental trophy, African Cup Winners Cup in 1977, two years after they lost in the final of the prestigious Cup of Champions to Hafia of Guinea.
Mba, who is the chairman of the organising committee for the celebration of Christian Chukwu noted that Chukwu took his sublime skill and charismatic leadership to senior national team, the Green Eagles now Super Eagles which he captained from 1974 to 1980.
“During this period,he led the team to win bronze medal in 1976 and 1978 editions of Africa Cup of Nations and won the Cup for the first time in 1980.
It would be recalled that during his coaching era Super Eagles, he assisted the team to win Africa Nations Cup in Tunisia and qualified Nigeria for the first time ever World Cup finals in USA 1994.
The governors of Anambra,Enugu,lmo, Ebonyi and Abia states are expected to grace the occasion.
