The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has strongly refuted claims circulating on social media that it is indebted to Christian Chukwu, the late former captain of the Nigerian national team and coach, for a sum of $128,000.
Chukwu, who passed away on Saturday, had repeatedly spoken about the alleged unpaid debt throughout his life.
In a statement, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi addressed the claims and emphasized that there is no record of any outstanding debt to the late coach in the federation’s books.
“There is no record in the NFF of any outstanding indebtedness to ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu,” Sanusi said. He went on to explain that during the first term of the current board, headed by Mr. Amaju Pinnick, a committee was formed to investigate debts owed to former coaches.
The committee’s mandate was to thoroughly review records from past administrations and ensure any outstanding payments were settled.
Dr. Sanusi also clarified that Chukwu, who served as the head coach of the national team between 2002 and 2005, was relieved of his duties after a 1-1 draw with Angola in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match in August 2005.
Chairman Chukwu worked for the NFF for 3 years before he was sacked. Photo Credit: Getty Images
However, he maintained that there is no evidence of any pending financial obligation to the coach from that period.
“We are committed to addressing any legitimate claims, and if anyone has genuine and verifiable documents showing that the NFF owes any coach from the past 20 years, we encourage them to come forward,” Sanusi stated, further stressing the NFF’s commitment to resolving any valid claims.
READ MORE:Mourinho vs. Osimhen: Fenerbahce boss hits back after rival’s penalty goals
Chukwu’s Persistent Claims of Unpaid Wages
Despite the NFF’s position, Chukwu had openly spoken about the debt, especially in his final years. In a 2024 interview with The Athletic Nigeria, he revealed his ongoing frustration with the NFF’s failure to pay the $128,000 he claimed was owed to him.
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.
2024 Interview via @TheAthleticNG pic.twitter.com/47rRqbQKSS
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) April 12, 2025
He had first publicly stated this debt in a 2008 BBC Sport interview, and reiterated it in 2024, stating that the debt remained unpaid despite years of efforts to resolve the issue.
“They owe Nigerian coaches. They don’t owe foreign coaches. It is a problem,” Chukwu said in the 2024 interview.
He continued, expressing the difficulties he faced in trying to recover the money: “I am still being owed up to today. My files are there with the NFF. There is nothing I can do [to get them to pay me].”
Chukwu also shared the emotional toll that the pursuit of his unpaid wages had taken on him. “Not only me, but other indigenous coaches are being owed too. Some are late,” he reflected somberly.
A Long-Standing Issue
In his 2008 BBC Sport interview, Chukwu had voiced his frustration with the lack of progress in resolving the debt. “It’s very frustrating and annoying to be treated this way,” he said.
“I have made several efforts through writing, telephone calls, and visits to the NFF office, but there is still no word from the authorities. The last time, they assured me that they would get to the bottom of the matter.”
His sense of resignation was evident as he expressed his belief that foreign coaches would not have been treated in the same manner.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
“It’s annoying that I worked so much and these people at the NFF cannot figure out ways of sorting out the money they owe me,” he added in 2008.
Christian Chukwu, a legend in Nigerian football, captained the national team to victory in the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations and had a distinguished career both as a player and a coach.
