Charles Bassey (left) and Christian Chukwu.
By Anietie Akpan
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno,PhD, has received with regrets the news of the demise of Akwa Ibom born former national football team legends, Charles Bassey, and Skipper Christian Chukwu
Both men passed on Saturday, April 12, 2025 in their respective cities, Eket in Akwa Ibom state and Enugu in Enugu state.
In a message through his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno, described the passing of Charles Bassey, MON as a monumental loss to the State and Nation and also sent his deepest condolences to Bassey’s former National soccer teammate and former Coach of the Super Eagles, Christian Chukwu, who also died yesterday in Enugu.
Governor Eno who eulogized the pioneering role of Coach Bassey and Coach Chukwu in the development of football in the country, added that their sad passing on the same day, has created a huge vacuum in the Nigerian football space.
“Coach Bassey was phenomenal in handling several top football clubs in the country, and played a pivotal role in talents discovery in our State, when he coached Mobil Pegasus FC and subsequently, Akwa United FC.
“At a time when we are establishing a modern sports academy in the State, Coach Bassey’s wealth of experience would have been invaluable to our young ones.
“I urge Coach Bassey’s family to be consoled by the indelible impact he created, and the affectionate love that bonded them while he lived.
“I also sympathize with the family of Late Christian “Chairman“ Chukwu,MFR, our former national team coach and former national team captain, whose leadership role in football development both on the pitch and the sideline brought so much fame to our country”, the statement added.