Ex-Nigerian football legend and the then Green Eagles captain, Christian Chukwu, who is serious ill needs $50,000 for medical trip abroad.
Early assessment of the former Nigerian defender showed that the amount would take care of his round trip to the United States, surgery, medication and general after-surgery care.
Grand Patron of Ex-Enugu Rangers Players Association, Benson Ejindu, who disclosed this in a facebook post, said a gofundme account has been opened for Chukwu’s medical treatment, and that $2,450 had been donated by various individuals.
He lamented that many former Nigerian players had died because they didn’t get medical help on time, pleading that the same fate should not be allowed to befall Chukwu after his service to the country.
“Former players like the late Kenneth Ilodigwe, Christian Madu, Kelechi Emetole, and others who have passed on could have lived longer, if more hands were on deck to help with their health issues.
“I am asking you to join me, this time around, in raising funds for Chukwu, who is currently in Nigeria receiving treatment for various ailments.
“Your financial support will help fly him to the United States for better treatment. We are hoping to raise about $50,000 to cover Christian Chukwu’s trip from Nigeria and all the medical expenses. The leftover funds will help set up a health and welfare account for all ex-Rangers players.”
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Meanwhile, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, who is in the United Kingdom, told thenff.com on Sunday that he had mandated the Chairman of Enugu State Football Association and Member of the NFF Executive Committee, Chidi Ofo Okenwa to pay a visit to the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations –winning team captain and get the details of his challenges and what needs to be done to return him to good health.
“I am not in Nigeria presently but I have asked the NFF Acting President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi to take full charge and ensure that this matter is treated promptly. It was for this kind of development that I spoke about the welfare foundation for our legends at the 2nd AITEO-NFF Awards in Lagos on 1st April 2019.
“The NFF would always be there to lend support to our legends in their hour of need,” Pinnick said.
Christian Chukwu was captain of Nigeria’s senior national team when they won their first –ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980.
He also captained the Enugu Rangers FC team that won the Africa Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.
Chukwu who is fondly called ‘Chairman’ was also the assistant coach of the first Nigerian team to win a FIFA World Cup trophy– the Golden Eaglets which lifted the U16 World Cup trophy in China in 1985.
Between 2002 and 2005, he was head coach of the Super Eagles, leading the team to win bronze at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia.
