SportsNews

‘He wasn’t ‘Chairman’ for nothing,’ NFF mourns Christian Chukwu

Published

2 months ago

April 12, 2025

By Henry Oduah

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Christian Chukwu who captained Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad and later coached the team.

Chukwu died in his native city of Enugu on Saturday.

Nicknamed ‘Chairman’ because of his imposing presence and the authority he exuded just in front of the rearguard at both club (Enugu Rangers) and country, Chukwu was overjoyed as he hoisted above his head the Unity Cup (the first time Nigeria would triumph in the continental championship) after receiving same from President Shehu Shagari at the National Stadium, Surulere on Saturday, 22nd March 1980.

General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said: “We have lost a good and great man. Chukwu was the definition of a strong, dedicated and disciplined leader on and off the field. He was not nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for nothing. He embodied strength, vision consistency.

“We pray that the Almighty will grant his soul eternal rest, and also grant the family and friends he has left behind, and Nigeria football’s fraternity the fortitude to bear this big loss.”

Chukwu was in the Nigeria senior team that won bronze medals at the 1976 and 1978 AFCON finals in Ethiopia and Ghana respectively, before leading the squad to glory on home soil in 1980. He was named Player of the Tournament.

Born on 4th January 1951, Chukwu coached his darling club, Enugu Rangers (he played for only one club in his career) and then coached the senior national team of Kenya, nicknamed the Harambee Stars. He was named Head Coach of the Super Eagles in 2002 and led the team to finish third at the 2004 AFCON finals in Tunisia.

His death comes exactly 20 days after the 45th anniversary of the 1980 AFCON triumph. Before him, other members of the squad that had passed on, were goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong, defenders Okechukwu Isima and Tunde Bamidele, midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal, and forward Martins Eyo.

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SportsNews

Transfer: Osimhen will make decision Tuesday amid interest from Chelsea, Galatasaray, others’

Published

2 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen will make a decision regarding his future on Monday or Tuesday amid interest from the likes of Chelsea, Galatasaray and Juventus.

This was disclosed by respected Galatasaray journalist, Serhan Turk.

Speaking during the A Spor broadcast, Turk also revealed that Galatasaray have set a budget aside for Osimhen.

“I think Victor Osimhen will make his decision on Monday or Tuesday. A budget has been set aside for Osimhen, and sponsorships have a big contribution to this budget,” Turk was quoted by habersarikirmizi as saying.

“However, these sponsors will only step in for Osimhen’s transfer. I think sponsorships may shift to other players as well.

“Because Galatasaray brings very important players.”

This is coming after Galatasaray intensified their effort to sign Osimhen on a permanent basis from Napoli this summer.

The Nigeria international is expected to leave Napoli permanently this summer transfer window.

SportsNews

Serie A: Lookman nominated for Atalanta’s Player of the Season

Published

1 day ago

June 13, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Ademola Lookman is in the running for Atalanta’s Goal of the Season award, Ekwutosblog reports.

Lookman had two goals nominated for the individual accolade.

The Nigeria international’s superb strike in Atalanta’s 3-2 loss to Real Madrid was the first on the list.

The 27-year-old also earned nomination for his sublime finish in La Dea’s 5-0 trouncing of Empoli at the Gewiss Stadium.

Lookman will be looking to add another individual award to his collections after scooping Atalanta’s Player of the Season prize for the last two campaigns.

He scored 22 times and recorded five assists in 46 appearances across all competitions for the Bergamo club last season.

SportsNews

EPL: Sign Osimhen instead of Gyokeres – Ferdinand advises Man United

Published

1 day ago

June 13, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Rio Ferdinand

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has advised his former club to sign Victor Osimhen instead of Viktor Gyokeres.

The Red Devils are in search of more firepower upfront after an underwhelming campaign.

The duo of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failed to deliver the goods, with United finishing in a disappointing 15th position on the table.

Ruben Amorim’s side also lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the UEFA Europa League.

Gyokeres, who had an outstanding campaign for Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

The forward scored 39 goals and registered eight assists to help Sporting Lisbon clinch the Portuguese League title.

Despite his impressive form in front of goal, Ferdinand believed Osimhen would be a better fit for his old club.

“I think Gyokeres, everyone’s talking about him. Again, I think if I’m looking at the market now and I had to pick him or Osimhen, I’d probably pick Osimhen because of that experience,” the former England international told the Mirror.