Fresh revelations have emerged that the late former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, was owed a backlog of unpaid salaries totaling $128,000 (approximately ₦204 million) by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) — a debt dating as far back as September 2006.
Chukwu, who passed away recently after battling illness, reportedly repeatedly appealed to the football governing body for the payment of his entitlements, but his requests went unresolved until his death.
The unpaid salary, which accumulated during his tenure as the national team coach between 2003 and 2005, remained a lingering issue throughout his post-coaching years.
Family sources and close associates disclosed that the former coach never stopped demanding his outstanding wages, hoping for justice and recognition of his contributions to Nigerian football. His persistence, however, met with silence and inaction from the authorities.
Christian Chukwu, popularly known as “Chairman”, was a respected figure in African football. He captained the Green Eagles to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later coached the Super Eagles at various levels.
His impact on the game, both as a player and coach, is widely acknowledged across the continent.
The NFF is yet to issue an official statement regarding the outstanding debt or any plans for posthumous compensation to his family.
The news has sparked outrage among fans and stakeholders in the Nigerian football community, who have called for immediate steps to honor Chukwu’s legacy and settle all debts owed to him.
Many believe that his treatment reflects a broader issue of neglect and lack of proper welfare for former national heroes who served the country with distinction.
