The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that it owed the late Nigerian football legend Christian Chukwu the sum of $128,000 prior to his death.
Chukwu, a former Super Eagles captain and coach, passed away on Saturday, April 12, at the age of 74, prompting an outpouring of grief from across the nation.
In response to the reports, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said there was no record within the federation indicating any outstanding financial obligations to Chukwu. He described the claims as unfounded and urged anyone with verifiable proof of such debt to present it.
“There is no record in the NFF of any outstanding indebtedness to ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu,” Sanusi stated. “During the first term of the Board headed by Mr. Amaju Pinnick, a committee was set up to diligently peruse the papers of coaches who were being owed, even from previous NFF administrations.”
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 a 2005 World Cup qualifier in Kano. He insisted that no financial claims from Chukwu’s tenure remain unsettled.
“As a credible organization that is very much alive to its responsibilities, if we are confronted with any genuine document of indebtedness to any coach, we will offset the debt immediately,” he added.
Chukwu, fondly known as ‘Chairman’ for his commanding presence on the field, captained Nigeria to its historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and left a lasting legacy as both a player and coach. His death has been widely mourned by family, friends, fans, and the wider Nigerian football community.