Sports

NFF Denies Owing Late Super Eagles Legend Christian Chukwu

Published

20 hours ago

15/04/2025

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially denied reports circulating on social media that it owed the late Super Eagles captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, the sum of $128,000 before his passing.

Christian Chukwu, fondly known as ‘Chairman’ for his leadership qualities on and off the pitch, died on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the age of 74. Following his death, several online claims alleged that the NFF had outstanding payments due to him.

However, in a statement posted on the federation’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, dismissed the rumors, stating clearly that there were no outstanding debts owed to the football icon.

“There is no record in the NFF of any outstanding indebtedness to ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu,” Sanusi clarified. “During the first tenure of the Amaju Pinnick-led board, a dedicated committee was established to thoroughly examine claims of unpaid wages, including those from previous administrations. That committee had the mandate to verify all legitimate debts and ensure prompt payment.”

Sanusi went further to explain that Chukwu had worked with the NFF between 2002 and 2005, before being dismissed following Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match held in Kano.

“As a responsible organization, the NFF takes financial obligations seriously,” he added. “If presented with any credible documentation proving that a coach is owed, we act swiftly to resolve it. To the best of our records, there is no outstanding payment due to Christian Chukwu.”

NFF’s response comes amid an outpouring of tributes for Chukwu, who played a crucial role in Nigeria’s football history. He captained the national team to its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in 1980 and later served as a coach for the Super Eagles, leaving a lasting legacy in both roles.

His death has brought a wave of emotion across Nigeria and beyond, as fans, former teammates, and football stakeholders mourn a true legend of the game.