Emeka Christian Chukwu Jnr, son of the late former Super Eagles captain, Christian Chukwu, has confirmed 16 August 2025 as the new burial date for the Nigerian legend, who passed away on 12 April 2025 at the age of 74, Completesports.com reports.
The remains of the late Nigerian icon and one-time Super Eagles coach were initially slated for burial on 22 August. However, the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), scheduled to take place from 22 to 28 August, has prompted the family to adjust the date of the final rites for the former SAFA FC of Lebanon coach.
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“We most respectfully wish to inform you of the slight change in the burial of ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, previously scheduled for 22 August 2025. The new date is now Saturday, 16 August 2025,” began a statement personally signed by Emeka Christian Chukwu Jnr.
“This change is necessitated by the clash of the previous date with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference scheduled to hold between 22–28 August 2025, being hosted by the Enugu State Government.
“Please kindly accept our apologies for any inconvenience this change of date may cause.”
During his illustrious career, Chairman Christian Chukwu earned 54 caps and scored five goals in his international career.
Under his captaincy, the then Green Eagles won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations in Lagos, defeating Algeria 3-0 in the final on 22 March.
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Chukwu would later assist Coach Sebastian Brodericks-Imasuen to win the inaugural edition of the FIFA/JVC U-16 World Cup in China in 1985.
He also assisted Dutchman Coach Clemens Westerhof in leading the Super Eagles to their 1994 AFCON title win in Tunisia and Nigeria’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup finals in the United States in 1994.
By Sab Osuji
