First son of the late Green Eagles legend, Christian Chukwu, has revealed that the family is planning to officially write to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over unpaid wages allegedly owed to their father before his passing.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Christian Chukwu Jr. spoke about the final days of his father, his life as a family man, and the quiet struggles he endured off the pitch.
Describing the late football icon’s last moments, Chukwu Jr. said, “His last moment was very peaceful, we didn’t expect it but it came. It is the will of God.” He explained that the family had taken him to the hospital after a mild crisis, but were shocked by his sudden passing. “It wasn’t really serious… we were not expecting him to die,” he added.
When asked about financial matters and whether the late coach had discussed any unresolved issues, Chukwu Jr. said their father had always kept business affairs to himself. However, he confirmed that the family would take steps to recover any money the NFF might still owe. “We should, we will make a request and hopefully the NFF will do the right thing,” he noted.
He admitted that although it had not been easy, the family managed to cope during the period their father was reportedly owed wages. “It’s been hard but he tried his best to make us not to feel whatever that he was owed,” he shared.
Chukwu Jr. also spoke fondly of the man behind the public figure, describing his father as calm, loving, and deeply involved in the lives of his children. “He didn’t bring his chairman status to the home,” he said. “He solved our problems… and it was because of us he retired from coaching abroad.”
He recalled how his father, despite working in different countries like Kenya, Lebanon, and Algeria, always made time for the family. During his time abroad, the family often spoke through NITEL landlines, each member taking turns to talk. “He would always try to come back and stay like one or two months before going back,” he added.
On whether the late coach received the recognition he deserved from the government, Chukwu Jr. replied, “For me, I don’t think so.” He mentioned the need for the government to establish welfare programmes for retired athletes who served the country, especially the heroes of the 1980s.
He also expressed gratitude to businessman Femi Otedola and the Enugu State Government for coming to their father’s aid during a previous health crisis. “We have thanked him before and we are still thanking him for what he has done,” he said.
Now carrying the burden of family responsibilities, Chukwu Jr. acknowledged that his father’s absence has changed his life. “I am not supposed to be talking to all these media personalities, he was the one shading me from them all,” he said, accepting the new role of decision-maker.
