Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigerian football legend, Christian Chukwu.

Chukwu, a former Super Eagles captain and coach, died in the early hours of Saturday at the Niger Foundation Hospital in Enugu State. He was 74 years old.

In a heartfelt tribute posted via his official X handle, Atiku described the late Chukwu as a symbol of grace, discipline, and dedication — both on and off the pitch.

“It is difficult to grasp that Chairman Christian Chukwu, MFR, has passed on. His name stands tall in the rich tapestry of Nigerian football,” Atiku wrote.

“From the mid-70s, when he captained our beloved Green Eagles, to that glorious triumph at the 1980 Nations Cup, Chukwu was the image of grace, discipline, and dedication — both as a player and a coach.

“His absence will be profoundly felt. My thoughts and prayers are with his dear family and with every one of us who cherished his contributions to the beautiful game. May the Almighty grant him eternal rest and grant his loved ones the strength to carry on,” he added.

Chukwu’s passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the nation. President Bola Tinubu, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, and former teammates have all mourned the loss, describing him as a national hero and a symbol of patriotism who played for passion, not for money.

Christian Chukwu, affectionately called “Chairman,” was one of the most respected figures in Nigerian football history. He captained the Green Eagles to their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later served as head coach of the Super Eagles.