By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: The death of former Green Eagles captain and Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, has reignited conversation around the neglect of Nigeria’s sporting heroes, particularly those who once brought pride to the nation but died in penury.
Chukwu, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons, passed away at the Niger Foundation Hospital in Enugu after a long battle with illness. His demise has left many in shock, especially with revelations that he died without a house of his own.
Speaking on the sad development, former Rangers International player and club secretary, Chief Joe Martins Uzodike, expressed deep sorrow over what he described as the tragic end of a man who gave his all to Nigerian football.
“Christian Chukwu was a true patriot. He played for the love of the country, not for money. That generation of footballers never thought of themselves. Sadly, he died without a home,” Uzodike said.
Uzodike recalled how Chukwu, who was discovered at Nike Grammar School in Enugu, rose through the ranks to captain the Green Eagles and led Nigeria to her first Africa Cup of Nations title. He would later replicate the same success as a coach, guiding the Super Eagles to glory.
“Three days before his death, he spoke to some of us. We never imagined it would be the last time we’d hear his voice,” he added.
Chukwu is the fourth notable football figure to die within a year, following the deaths of Christian Isiadinso, Kenneth Abana, and Mecha. Uzodike said the recurring tragedy highlights how Nigeria has failed to support its legends in retirement.
“These men carried the hopes of a nation. But once they’re out of the limelight, we forget them. It’s painful and unfair,” he lamented.
While commending past and current Anambra State governors for providing financial stipends to ex-players regardless of state of origin, Uzodike said that such efforts, though commendable, remain insufficient.
“Peter Obi started the monthly N13,000 stipend. Obiano raised it to N15,000, and Governor Soludo has increased it to N100,000. But what we really need is a national policy to care for retired sportsmen who gave everything,” he said.
He also recalled the case of late Christian Nwokocha, another player who died homeless. “We had to build a house for him in Nawfia. That’s how bad it has become for many of these once-celebrated players,” he noted.
Uzodike called for urgent action from both state and federal governments to establish welfare systems for retired athletes. According to him, their sacrifices for the nation must not be rewarded with abandonment and poverty.
“The current crop of players are millionaires, but those who paved the way are now forgotten. If we don’t address this, we’re telling our future stars that patriotism doesn’t pay,” he warned.