Former Super Eagles midfielder, Justice Christopher has died at the age of 40.
Christopher, who captained the Flying Eagles to the 2001 Africa Youth Championship in Egypt, was reported to have died on Wednesday morning in his Racheal Hotel, Jos, a complex he named to honour his late sister.
Recall that he made his debut for the Super Eagles in the same year during 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and racked up a total of 11 caps for the Super Eagles, which include an Africa Cup of Nations Appearance and a World Cup appearance, all in 2002.
The 40-year-old played professional football both in Nigeria and abroad, before retiring at Nassarawa United.
He began his senior career at Katsina United in 1999. Following spells at Sharks and Bendel Insurance, he moved to Belgium in 2001, when he signed for Royal Antwerp.
He also enjoyed spells with Levski Sofia in Bulgaria, Swedish club Trelleborgs FF, Alania Vladikavkaz in Russia and Herfølge BK in Denmark.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has extended their condolence message to the family of late Christopher .
In its message via their official twitter handle, NFF described his death as devasting.
“We are devastated to hear of the sudden passing away of former @NGSuperEagles midfielder Justice Christopher early on Wednesday morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and football community in Nigeria. May his soul Rest In Peace.”
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COMMENTS
Rest in Power!
_True Justice Seems Unattainable_
Nigeria would have conceded a goal early against Sweden in the second group game of the 2002 World Cup in far away South Korea.
Up stepped the now Late Justice Christopher to do justice to Nigeria’s defence of that set piece with an emphatic goalmouth clearance that showed he was in tune with Nigeria’s fatal failing against Argentina in the previous match (from a similar routine that Batistuta profited from) .
Please watch the 30th second of the clip below that captures that iconic moment for all eternity (look out for number 15 Christopher).
Justice Christopher may be gone but his short Super Eagles stint, legacy and memory lives on.
However minimal, I remain eternally grateful to all Nigerian players (male and female across age groups) who enrich my experience as a Super Eagles fan over the years with thier passion and patriotism.
Born on the 24th of December 1981, Christopher played for Nigeria’s national football team between 2001 and 2002 and was a participant at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
He amassed 11 caps for his country.
Christopher, who finally retired from active football in 2012, never ventured into coaching or meaningful punditry careers post-football.
Unlike very some vocal Ex-Super Internationals, Christopher maintained a remarkable low profile after hanging his boots.
Perhaps the most significant news carried about the 2002 Japan Korea Super Eagles world cup star of late was when he was robbed and assaulted in 2020.
May he rest in perfect peace.
https://youtu.be/UQAVUIAG6M8
God bless you so much @DEO for those nostalgic moments; that mazy run by OKOCHA that led to confusion in the SWEDES backline and that last minute miss by John Utaka.
May God comfort the family of JUSTICE CHRISTOPHER…incessant injuries put paid to a burgeoning career!
Sad,a shocking and painful loss and a very difficult times for the family of the deceased and the Nigerian football community.
Rest in peace Justice Christopher.
RIP Justice Christopher. Very sad to hear this. God bless Nigeria!!!
Indeed a sad news but we can’t question God, we love you but he sure love you more. Rest On Legend
Arise’O compatriots’ to honour and mourn this great Nigerian who made sacrifices and brought joy to our people. May God accept his soul plus give comfort to his family.