Air Peace Ambassadors Pay Tribute to Late Football Legend Christian Chukwu in Enugu

A distinguished delegation of Nigerian football legends and Air Peace Ambassadors, led by former international football star and Olympian, Dr Olusegun Odegbami, paid a solemn condolence visit to the family of the late Christian Chukwu, MFR, in Enugu on Thursday, reaffirming the national and generational reverence for the departed football icon.

The visit was a poignant tribute to Chukwu — affectionately known as “Chairman” — who passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy that spanned his illustrious career as a footballer, captain, coach, and mentor to generations of Nigerian players.

The football legends, representing three generations of Nigerian football history, gathered to honour one of the country’s most celebrated sportsmen.

The delegation comprised notable figures including Dr Felix Owolabi, MON; Dr Bruce Ijirigho; Dr Godwin Obasogie; Mr Charlton Ehizuelen; Mr Uche Okechukwu, MON; Sylvanus Okpala, MON, OON; and Mr Frank Onwuachi, MON.

These veterans were part of significant moments in Nigeria’s football history – from the 1976 Montreal Olympics to the victorious 1980 African Cup of Nations squad and the 1994 Super Eagles team coached by Chukwu himself.

They were received with warmth and gratitude by the widow, children, and extended family of the late legend. The emotional gathering underscored the depth of affection and respect that Chukwu commanded both in life and in death.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr Femi Adegbite described the visit as “a symbolic representation of three generations of Olympians and national team players who either played alongside Chukwu or were mentored by him.”

He further noted that the condolence visit was made possible by the Chairman of Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, whose commitment to national unity through sports and aviation has remained unwavering.

Dr Adegbite recalled how, two years prior, Dr Onyema had brought together Nigerian Olympians in Lagos for an unprecedented celebration of their contributions to national pride — a gesture he said was echoed once again in the Enugu visit.

The delegation expressed deep condolences to Chukwu’s family and assured them of continued support from Dr Onyema and the broader community of Nigerian football veterans. They pledged to assist with the funeral arrangements and to preserve Chukwu’s towering legacy within the football fraternity.

The group also visited veteran goalkeeper Emmanuel Okala, MON, in Enugu and hinted at plans to pay a courtesy call on the Governor of Enugu State, Mr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as part of their commemorative engagements.

Christian Chukwu’s indelible impact on Nigerian football — as captain of the Green Eagles, coach of the national team, and mentor to countless players — was once again underscored by the presence of his peers and protégés. Their homage serves as a powerful testament to his enduring influence on and off the pitch.

As preparations for his final farewell continue, the message from Enugu was clear: Christian Chukwu was not just a football legend, but a national treasure whose memory will continue to inspire generations.