THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has pledged its support for the medical treatment of former Captain and Coach of the Super Eagles, Christian Chukwu, who is currently battling an undisclosed life-threatening ailment.
According to thenff.com, the official website of the federation, Amaju Pinnick, Chairman of the NFF, has mandated the Chairman of Enugu State Football Association, Chidi Ofo Okenwa, to pay Chukwu a visit and get the details of his illness and what needs to be done.
“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,” Pinnick was quoted as saying.
“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.”
Chukwu was the captain of the Super Eagles team that lifted the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in 1980, beating Algeria 3-0 in the final. He also coached the Eagles between 2003 and 2005, leading the team to the AFCON semi-final in 2004.
He was also an assistant coach of the 1994 Class of Super Eagles that qualified Nigeria for its first FIFA World Cup finals, won the Africa Cup of Nations title and went on to reach the knockout stages at the US94 FIFA World Cup.
Chukwu, according to Benson Ejindu, the patron of former Enugu Rangers players association, is currently in a hospital in Nigeria but would need to be flown to the United States of America for better treatment.
According to Ejindu, “we are hoping to raise about $50,000 to cover Christian Chukwu’s round trip flight from Nigeria and all the medical expenses. Leftover funds will help set up a health and welfare account for all Ex-Rangers Players.”
A check on the gofundme account which was created to help raise the funds shows that over $3,700 had been donated by 23 donors in the last two days.
Meanwhile, Ike Nwachukwu, a former military administrator of Imo State, issued a disclaimer saying that Coach Chukwu, though ill, is receiving the best of care at the Nikea Specialist Hospital and there was no such urgent need to fly him abroad.
“It’s come to my notice that Christian Chukwu is the subject of a gofundme scheme for treatment abroad,” Nwachukwu said in a short statement obtained by The ICIR.
“I will like to put a disclaimer, whilst protecting patient confidentiality, that he has had excellent care coordinated by Nikea specialist hospital where his life was essentially saved.
“He is now in a much better position and has no pressing medical issues necessitating urgent care abroad and the family and Christian Chukwu are aware of that.”
Nwachukwu, also a former Minister or Foreign Affairs and Labour and Employment, is said to be one of Chukwu’s benefactors.
Chukwu’s ill health has triggered a discussion on social media about how citizens who won laurels for Nigeria in various sporting activities are not being well taken care of in their old ages.
Many who expressed their thoughts on the issue urged younger athletes to shun reckless spending and invest in ventures that would ensure a steady income when they are no longer in active service.