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Green Eagles’ Captain, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, Dies at 74

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

1980 AFCON-winning captain, Christian Chukwu popularly known as ‘Chairman’ has passed away. The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed deep sorrow after it was confirmed that Chukwu, who captained Nigeria to her ever Africa Cup of Nations win and later coached the team, had died in his native city of Enugu on Saturday. Nicknamed ‘Chairman’ because of his imposing presence and the authority he exuded just in front of the rearguard at both club (Enugu Rangers) and country, Christian Chukwu was overjoyed as he hoisted above his head the Unity Cup (the first time Nigeria would triumph in the continental championship) after receiving same from President Shehu Shagari at the National Stadium, Surulere on Saturday, 22nd March 1980. General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said: “We have lost a good and great man. Chukwu was the definition of a strong, dedicated and disciplined leader on and off the field. He was not nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for nothing. He embodied strength, vision and consistency. “We pray that the Almighty will grant his soul eternal rest, and also grant the family and friends he has left behind, and Nigeria football’s fraternity the fortitude to bear this big loss.” Chukwu was in the Nigeria senior team that won bronze medals at the 1976 and 1978 AFCON finals in Ethiopia and Ghana respectively, before leading the squad to glory on home soil in 1980. He was named Player of the Tournament. Born on 4th January 1951, Chukwu coached his darling club, Enugu Rangers (he played for only one club in his career) and then coached the senior national team of Kenya, nicknamed the Harambee Stars. He was named Head Coach of the Super Eagles in 2002, and led the team to finish third at the 2004 AFCON finals in Tunisia. His death comes exactly 20 days after the 45th anniversary of the 1980 AFCON triumph. Before him, other members of the squad that had passed on, are goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong, defenders Okechukwu Isima and Tunde Bamidele, midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal, and forward Martins Eyo.

Oliseh: Odegbami, others ‘re responsible for my Eagles hunger

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Former Super Eagles’ coach and skipper, Sunday Oliseh, has revealed that the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winning team, the Green Eagles, are responsible for his thirst for the national colours. Oliseh, who also went on to win the Cup of Nations in Tunisia ’94, made this confession while reacting to 45 years anniversary of the 1980 team, bringing glory to the nation. His words; “This team was hugely responsible for my love of the Super Eagles green white green colours; Odegbami (Segun), Chukwu (Christian), Okala (Emmanuel), Atuegbu (Allosious), Muda Lawal, Nwosu (Christian), Owo Blow (Felix Owolabi)… “They all had technical prowess, strenght and style… “Naija sabi do things with style sha!!! “ From 1980, 1994, to 2013, the Super Eagles have soared to greatness, etching Nigeria’s name in African football history.

Ex-Green Eagles’ goalie, Fregene dies at 77

Our Reporters7 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Former Green Eagles’ goalkeeper Peter Fregene is dead. Late Fregene also known as Apu breath his last on Sunday after battling with an undisclosed illness. The deceased former national teammate, Dr Segun Odegbami broke the news on his social media fields. Odegbami who was gutted by the eternal departure of his friend wrote; “And the Man died. “A few minutes ago, Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, OLY, former goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Green Eagles, who has been on life-support for the past one week, passed on to meet his Creator. “He died quietly in the presence of two of his children and his devoted wife, Tina. “On behalf of all generations of Nigerian footballers, Olympians, sports persons, his family, friends, fans and a few incredible Nigerians that quietly rallied round and, with their support, prayers and the will of the Creator of the Universe, kept him alive until this night, I say a big ‘thank you’. “Good night ‘Apo’. “Rest my friend, rest in peace, finally!” Fregene aged 77, was the first choice goalkeeper for the Nigeria national football team from 1968 to 1971, before being recalled for the 1982 African Cup of Nations finals. He also represented Nigeria at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

Family members want life-support machine unplugged on Ex-Eagles goalie

Our Reporters7 months ago7 months ago04 mins

Trendbrio.com has reliably gathered that some family members of ailing former Green Eagles’ goalkeeper, Peter Fregene want the life-support machine on him unplugged. This development was revealed on Friday by Fregene’s national teammate, Dr. Segun Odegbami (MON). The Mathematical in a social media post wrote; “There is some good news. “Peter Fregene is being given another chance to live. “This afternoon, contrary to the request by some family members to unplug Peter from life-support and be allowed to die at home, Marian, his first child and Tina, his wife of several decades, chose to follow the advise and referral by Obule Medical Centre, and moved Peter by ambulance to the Teaching Hospital facility in Oghara, Delta State. “The hospital immediately went to work on the man, starting with his body ‘decorated’ with bedsores. He is now receiving first-class treatment and is being stabilised in the Intensive Care Unit. “The medical expenses at the Sapele hospital, and the immediate costs of treatment at the Teaching hospital are being taken care of by a few concerned Nigerians that prefer to be anonymous for now. “The avalanche of requests by Nigerians all over the world for a bank account to pay into in support of Peter Fregene has been overwhelming. Most of them do not even know him. “Once again, there is no approved bank account by the family. Anyone desirous of helping in any way can deal privately with the family through Tina or Marian. “The Federal Government and some State governments are already responding. “What is more important now is the medical care and divine touch that can help to wake Peter up from this ‘deep sleep’ and enable him to appreciate this flood of uncommon love and goodwill for him by Nigerians. “I shall not post any more reports on Peter unless there is an absolute need to do so. “What happens next is out of our hands. It lies in divine providence. “May the will of the Creator of the Universe be done. Amen.” Fregene, 77, was the first choice goalkeeper for the Nigeria national football team from 1968 to 1971, before being recalled for the 1982 African Cup of Nations finals. He also represented Nigeria at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

Ex-Green Eagles’ goalie on life-support

Our Reporters7 months ago7 months ago03 mins

A former Green Eagles goalkeeper Peter Fregene has been reportedly in critical condition. The ailing former footballer, according to his national team, Dr. Segun Odegbami (MON), is currently on life support. “Peter Fregene is in hospital and on life-support. His situation is critical. “The Creator of Life has shown up. “What Peter Fregene needs the most now are our collective prayers that the will of His Creator be done! “I thank all Nigerians for their concern and response to the humble cry of their hero currently in distress,” Odegbami wrote on social media. The Mathematical also thanked Nigerians who overwhelmingly turned up for Fregene. “The interest generated by my story on Peter Fregene earlier today has been overwhelming. “Nigerians made me proud. “I thank all those that responded in messages, particularly in prayers and in their desire to contribute to any funding.” He however emphasised that he is not raising funds for the ex-player, saying all financial supports should be directed to Fregene’s wife. “I am NOT involved in raising funds from the public on behalf of Fregene because I have no such authority. I would also not be involved in any thing that can be abused if not handled properly. As important as funds are for his treatment, they are secondary considering the stage of Peter’s condition in hospital. “The Creator of a life has shown up. Three Nigerians that I know, read me and volunteered to support his treatment in hospital. I accepted their offer and channelled their wish to Tina, Peter’s faithful wife that has stood by him completely through all the decades of his medical ordeal. “Once again, I am NOT raising or collecting any funds on behalf of Peter’s family. If the need arises, and I am requested and authorized to do so, I shall.”