THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it has given some financial support for the final funeral rites for late legends Christian Chukwu and Peter Rufai.
Chukwu (MFR), who captained the Green Eagles to win Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations trophy 45 years ago, died in Enugu on April 12 this year, and was buried in his home town, Obe, yesterday after a week-long celebration (which included a highly-publicised novelty match in Enugu on Friday) of an illustrious life.
The legendary centre-back, nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for his commanding presence, later coached the Super Eagles to a bronze-medal finish at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, and handled the national teams of Kenya and Lebanon.
The NFF was also represented at the principal events of Chukwu’s final rites, with the Chairman of Nigeria National League (NNL) and member of the NFF Executive Committee, George Aluo, representing the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau.
The NFF’s delegation also included the federation’s Director of Legal Services, Okey Obi, and Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association, former Nigeria international defender Chikelue Iloenyosi.
Gusau, in a message delivered by Aluo, lauded ‘Chairman’ for his dedication to Nigeria as a sports Ambassador and for his exceptional leadership qualities.
At a Night of Tributes organised on Thursday, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State announced the retirement of the number 5 jersey that Chukwu wore throughout his stellar career with 1977 Africa Cup of Cup Winners champions Enugu Rangers, and also committed to ensuring the welfare of 109 former players of the club.
He also pledged that the Enugu State Government will collaborate with the Federal Government and the NFF towards immortalising Chukwu’s legacy.
Rufai, arguably the most flamboyant goalkeeper to have represented Nigeria, and a member of the Super Eagles squad to their first appearance at the FIFA World Cup in the USA 31 years ago, will be buried in Lagos on Friday, after a wake on Thursday evening at his house in Amuwo-Odofin, and a funeral mass at the Catholic Church of Visitation in Festac Town.
A high-powered NFF delegation will also be on hand at the three events leading to the internment of the great goalkeeper, who won a gold medal and two silver medals from three participations in the Africa Cup of Nations, and played in two FIFA World Cups.