The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has paid a condolence visit to the family of late Super Eagles legend Christian Chukwu, following his passing last month.
A delegation led by NFF First Vice President Felix Anyansi Agwu visited the family at their Enugu residence on Friday, offering prayers and support on behalf of the Federation.
In attendance were top football officials including Nigeria National League Chairman George Aluo, Enugu FA Chairman Barrister Tony Ugwu, Anambra FA Chairman Chikelue Iloenyosi, and Imo FA Chairman Ifeanyi Dike.
Anyansi stated that they were directed by NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau to extend the Federation’s condolences and assess funeral preparations.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, he praised Chukwu’s lifelong contributions to Nigerian football both as a player and coach, and assured the family of the Federation’s continued support.
NFF officials lead by Chief Anyansi and Christian Chukwu’s son in his home in Enugu, Nigeria. Photo Credit: X
“Coach Chukwu was not just a legend but a father figure in Nigerian football,” said Anyansi. “We mourn with the family and will stand with them as they prepare to give him a befitting farewell.”
In response, the late coach’s first son thanked the NFF for the visit and confirmed that funeral details would be shared with the Federation in due course.
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However, the condolence visit comes amid renewed discussion surrounding long-standing allegations that the NFF owed Chukwu $128,000 in unpaid wages from his time as Super Eagles head coach between 2002 and 2005.
Back in 2024, Christian Chukwu was still demanding unpaid salary from the Nigeria FA.
Chairman CC told me in 2008 that he was owed over $128,000 since Sept 2006 when his contract officially ended with the NFA.
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2024 Interview via @TheAthleticNG pic.twitter.com/47rRqbQKSS
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) April 12, 2025
Chukwu remained vocal about the issue, having first raised it in a 2008 interview with BBC Sport and revisiting it in 2024 with The Athletic NG.
In his 2024 interview with The Athletic Nigeria, Chukwu laid bare the frustrations and humiliation he faced:
“They owe Nigerian coaches. They don’t owe foreign coaches. It is a problem,” he said.
“You take on an indigenous coach who takes a cheap salary, and you owe him. Is it proper? Are you encouraging him to do his job? I am still being owed up to today.
The two teams are led out onto the pitch by their captains, Algeria’s Ali Fergani (l) and Nigeria’s Christian Chukwu (r) (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
They are still owing me till tomorrow. My files are there with the NFF. There is nothing I can do [to get them to pay me]. The file is there. Go to their office, and you will see how much they owe me.”
In a statement after his death, NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi asserted there was no official record of any financial obligation to Chukwu, stating: “There is no record in the NFF of any outstanding indebtedness to ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu.”
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He added that a past committee had been established under the Amaju Pinnick-led board to investigate and clear legitimate debts owed to former coaches.
