Soccer legend, Chief Coach and former Captain of Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, Christian Chukwu, is seriously down with an undisclosed ailment.
He is in need of about $50,000 to be flown to the United States of America to undergo surgery and for other medical treatment.
This was disclosed in a passionate appeal for help by the grand patron of former Enugu Rangers Players Association, Benson Ejindu through the gofundme page, which he opened to solicit for funds from football lovers in aid of the 1980 Nations cup winning captain.
His appeal: “Christian “Chairman” Chukwu, who captained the famous Enugu Rangers International FC and the Nigeria national team in the 1970s and early 1980s, needs a different type of support – your financial support. Your support, no matter how small, will offset the cost of surgeries and treatments to restore his debilitating health.
“I am asking you to join me, this time around, in raising funds for Chairman Chukwu, who is currently in Nigeria receiving treatments for various ailments. Your financial support will help fly him to the United States for better treatment.
“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.”
Ejindu appealed: “Former players like the late Kenneth Ilodigwe, Christian Madu, Kelechi Emetole, and others who have passed on could have lived longer, if more hands were on deck to help with their health issues.”
As of the time of filing this report, a total of $2,850 has been raised for the former national team captain through an account opened for him. But he will need about $50,000 for the operation and all other medical expenses.
He pleaded that Chukwu should not be allowed to die after his meritorious service to the country.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved to support the ailing ex-international.
Its President, Amaju Pinnick, who is in the United Kingdom, told thenff.com on Sunday that he had mandated the Chairman of Enugu FA and Member of the NFF Executive Committee, Chidi Ofo-Okenwa, to pay a visit to Chukwu and get the details of his challenges and what needs to be done to return him to good health.
“I am not in Nigeria presently but I have asked the NFF Acting President, Seyi Akinwunmi, to take full charge and ensure that this matter is treated promptly,” Pinnick stated.
“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 April 1. The NFF would always be there to lend support to our legends in their hour of need.”
