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NFF pledges to assist ailing Christian Chukwu

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The Nigeria Football Federation has moved to provide support for former Nigeria captain and coach Christian Chukwu is sick and requires medical attention in the United States .

Grand Patron of Ex – Enugu Rangers Players Association , Benson Ejindu , said Chukwu , who captained the national team to their first ever Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil in 1980 , is very sick and in urgent need of support to enable him get medical attention overseas .

He added that the ex – Super Eagles coach needed $ 50 , 000 for a trip to the United States , where he would undergo surgery, medication and general after – surgery care .
Ejindu said a gofundme account was opened for Chukwu ’ s medical treatment , adding that $ 2 , 450 had been donated by various individuals.

NFF 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 2 nd 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 . ”

Meanwhile , Ejindu , who made Chukwu ’ s condition known in a Facebook post , said several former Nigerian players had died because they didn ’ t get medical help on time , pleading that Chukwu shouldn ’ t be allowed to die after his service to the country.

“ 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.

He said , “ I am asking you to join me, this time around , in raising funds for Chukwu , who is currently in Nigeria receiving treatment 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 trip from Nigeria and all the medical expenses . The leftover funds will help set up a health and welfare account for all ex – Rangers players . ”

Chukwu , the first Nigerian to lift the AFCON trophy , also captained Enugu Rangers to win the Africa Cup Winners ’ Cup in 1977 .
Between 2002 and 2005 , Chukwu was head coach of the Super Eagles , leading the team to win bronze at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia .

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