Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike, JP, who is also the Nigeria Pillar of Sports has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria football icon, legend and inspiratory, Late 'Chairman' Christian Chukwu who joined the Great beyond last week in Enugu, saying that an 'iroko', has fallen Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

 

The Nigeria Pillar of Sports who was a former President of the Karate Federation was visibly emotion laden when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late 'Chairman' Chukwu who holds the enviable record of being the first Nigerian Captain to lift the African Cup of Nations trophy on March 22, 1980 in Lagos following then Green Eagles 3-0 thrashing of Algeria in the final of that year's Nations Cup tournament, incidentally the 22nd edition of the championship.

Ejidike used the occasion to visit the legendary tallest goalkeeper in Africa and former teammate of late Christian Chukwu both at Enugu Rangers and Green Eagles, Emmanuel Oguejiofor Okalla at his Enugu Residence.

While 'Chairman' Chukwu's Trans Ekulu residence, Chief Ejidike, expressed his  heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

He was warmly received by the widow and children of the man affectionately known as 'Chairman'.

Addressing the grieving family, Chief Ejidike expressed the profound sorrow felt across the nation's sporting landscape. 

"Indeed, a great Iroko has fallen, and the entire sports fraternity is in shock over the loss of our own legend, husband and father of this household," he said soberly. 

"We are greatly pained by his journey to answer the call of our Lord. I assure this family that we shall stand by you in this very painful period and will also do our best to ensure that our legend gets a befitting burial. 

"Just as importantly, we shall push the authorities in Abuja to immortalize the late Christian Chukwu, whose legendary landmark in the game of football is unequalled. We mourn his passing and pray for the repose of his gentle soul."

Responding to the Pillar of Sports' comforting words, the first daughter of the legendary 'Chairman' expressed the family's gratitude for his presence during their time of immense grief.

The Pillar of Sports used the opportunity provided by the visit to sign the Condolence Register opened in honour of the departed football icon.

In a similardemonstration of respect for Nigeria's footballing heroes, Chief Agu-Ejidike also made a courtesy visit to another living legend, Chief Emmanuel Oguejiofor Okala, at his residence in Enugu. 

Okalla warmly welcomed the former National President of the Nigeria Karate Federation, highlighting the strong bond within the Nigerian sporting fraternity.

These visits underscore the deep impact Chief Christian Chukwu had on Nigerian sports and the commitment of its leaders to honor his legacy and support those he left behind just as the nation continues to mourn the loss of a true giant of the game.