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Governor Mbah pays tribute to Chukwu, retires No.5 jersey and vows to supports ex-Rangers stars

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah says the iconic No.5 jersey worn by Christian Chukwu during his Rangers International career will be retired in honour of the late Nigerian football legend.

Mbah made the announcement on Wednesday at a Night of Tributes for the former Super Eagles captain and head coach, who died on Saturday 12 April 2025 in Enugu at the age of 74.

“As a fitting tribute to his exploits as a central defender, we will be retiring the iconic Number 5 jersey that Chairman Chukwu proudly wore throughout his Rangers career,” Mbah told the audience.

Christian Chukwu – nicknamed “Chairman”captained both Enugu Rangers and Nigeria’s national team, leading the country to its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980.

Late Captain Christian Chukwu with the AFCON 1980 trophy. Photo Credit: Getty Images

He later managed the Super Eagles and Rangers, earning widespread respect for his discipline, humility and leadership.

But beyond the tributes lies a long-standing grievance Chukwu himself voiced until his final year: the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) owed him $128,000 in unpaid wages, a debt he first revealed in a 2008 interview with BBC Sport and reiterated in 2024 to The Athletic Nigeria.

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Chukwu served as Super Eagles head coach from 2003 to 2005, guiding Nigeria to a bronze medal at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has honoured Christian Chukwu by retiring Rangers iconic No.5 jersey and pledging support for ex players

Christian Chukwu during the unveiling of Enugu Rangers Technical Adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images

In that 2024 interview, he expressed his frustration over nearly two decades of chasing the payment.

“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.”

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has honoured Christian Chukwu by retiring Rangers iconic No.5 jersey and pledging support for ex players

The Chairman’s wife overwhelmed with emotions. Photo Credit: Enugu Govt

Chukwu added that other indigenous coaches had faced similar treatment, with some dying before being paid.

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Governor Mbah also pledged the Enugu State Government would take responsibility for the welfare of 109 former Rangers players, promising further steps to immortalise Chukwu’s name in collaboration with the Federal Government.

“Through these steps, future generations will walk paths illuminated by Chukwu’s ideals,” he said.

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has honoured Christian Chukwu by retiring Rangers iconic No.5 jersey and pledging support for ex players

Governor Mbah and Late Christian chukwu’s wife. Photo Credit: Enugu Govt

Chukwu, who was born in Enugu, is regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest defenders of all time.

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