The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) dismissed claims circulating on social media, saying it was a payment from Nigeria’s late Nigerian football legend Christian Chukwu, which was $128,000.
Chukwu, former Super Eagles captain and coach, died Saturday, April 12, at the age of 74, prompting grief across the country to be welcomed.
NFF Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi responded to the report that there was no record within the federal government, indicating any outstanding financial obligations to Chukwu. He described the claims as unfounded and urged anyone with verifiable proof of debt to make it.
“The NFF has no record of any outstanding debts for ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu,” Sanusi said. “In the first semester of the board led by Mr. Amaju Pinnick, a committee was formed to diligently and carefully read the essays of the coaches that were owed, even from the hands of the previous NFF government.”
Sanusi clarified that Chukwu served as head coach of the national team between 2002 and 2005 and was relieved of his duties after a 1-1 draw with Angola in the 2005 World Cup qualifiers in Kano. He insisted that financial requirements during Chukwu’s tenure remain unstable.
He added: “As a reliable organization that is very alive with its responsibilities, we will offset the debt immediately if we face any real documents of debt to any coach.”
Chukwu is known as the “Chairman” for his performance on the court, so Nigeria served as its historic 1980 African Cup of Nations victory and left a lasting legacy as a player and coach. His death was widely mourned by family, friends, fans and the wider Nigerian football community.
