President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have joined the long list of people, especially in the football family, in paying tribute to late Super Eagles hero Christian Chukwu, who died on Saturday.

“Chairman,” as the late Nigerian football icon was called, died at 74, throwing family, friends, and the entire nation into mourning.

In his tribute to the former centre defender, Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman Bayo Onanuga, hailed the patriotism of Chukwu.

“Christian Chukwu was more than a footballer and coach. He was a symbol of excellence and patriotism. He brought joy to millions, mentored a generation of footballers, and stood as a pillar of Nigerian brand and sportsmanship on and off the pitch,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.

“His legacies will continue to live on in the trophies he won, the lives he touched, and the exciting moments he provided to football fans and spectators on the field and in the technical area. We are forever grateful for his contributions to the sport we all love, and we will always remember him with great respect and admiration.”

President Tinubu eugolised the former Rangers defender as a trailblazer whose career was defined by passion, discipline, and commitment to national pride.

He consoled the family of the bereaved, praying for the repose of his soul and comfort for those Chukwu left behind.

NFF mourns as ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, 1980 AFCON-winning captain, dies at 74

The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed deep sorrow after it was confirmed that Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, who captained Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad pic.twitter.com/8UMRatCivF

On its part, the NFF, in a statement on its official X handle, said Chukwu’s death is a big loss to the country’s football fraternity.

“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,” the General Secretary of the football body said.

“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 captained Nigeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in 1980 and was also a former coach of the side between 2002 and 2005. He led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2004 edition of the continental competition in Tunisia.

He devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple national titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.

Liverpool FC has officially confirmed the signing of a new contract for Mohamed Salah, ending months of speculation regarding the future of the club’s third all-time leading goalscorer.

Salah has committed to a new deal that reportedly extends his stay at Anfield until 2027, when he will be 35 years old.

This announcement follows extensive negotiations and growing apprehension that the Egyptian forward could leave the club as a free agent upon the expiration of his previous contract. The news brings a wave of optimism as the champions-elect head into the summer, ensuring that Salah will continue to be a crucial part of Arne Slot’s plans moving forward.

In revealing the details of his new contract, Salah expressed his ambition to secure more trophies at Liverpool, stating, “If I didn’t believe in our potential, I wouldn’t have signed. I truly believe this team can achieve great things. With the unwavering support from our fans and the city, I am confident we can win many trophies in the coming years.”

If Salah completes the next two years of his contract, he will reach a remarkable ten seasons with the club, having already outperformed all but two players in Liverpool’s storied history. Only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt have scored more goals than Salah, who now has his sights set on surpassing Hunt for second place on the all-time list.

At 32 years old, Salah also ranks sixth in all-time assists, and at his current pace, it is plausible he could surpass club legends Steven Gerrard, Billy Liddell, Ian Callaghan, and Alan A’Court, ultimately positioning himself just behind Kenny Dalglish.

These statistics highlight Salah’s extraordinary contribution since his transfer from AS Roma in 2017 for a bargain fee of £43.9 million, making it imperative for Liverpool to secure new terms with their prolific No. 11.

As Slot nears the conclusion of their first season together, Salah has already recorded the second-most goal contributions of any player in the Dutch manager’s career, trailing only Santiago Gimenez, who played two seasons under Slot at Feyenoord.

### Potential Vice-Captaincy for Mo Salah

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, February 16, 2025: Mohamed Salah celebrates with captain Virgil van Dijk after netting the second goal during the FA Premier League clash between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Anfield, where Liverpool triumphed 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

With Trent Alexander-Arnold likely to depart, a vacancy for a new vice-captain has emerged within the squad. Salah has already demonstrated significant leadership capabilities, alongside Andy Robertson and Alisson, making them the prime candidates for the role beneath the captain.

While Salah’s on-field responsibilities will likely remain unchanged, being appointed vice-captain would enhance his standing within the squad. Retaining both Salah and Van Dijk is crucial for maintaining continuity both on and off the pitch.

As the club anticipates several player movements this summer, preserving the core group that has achieved remarkable success will be vital in the early stages of the upcoming season. With Robertson and potentially Alisson spending more time on the bench, having seasoned winners like Salah on the pitch will be advantageous.

Contracts, Mohamed Salah.