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By Oscar Okhifo, Abuja
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says there is no record to show that the recently passed ex-Super Eagles Coach and Captain Christian, Chukwu is being owned by the Federation.
The Federation, through the General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, insists that the outstanding salary owed to the legend has been paid.
In a statement on Monday, Mohammed Sanusi, NFF General secretary, says the federation has “no record” of any indebtedness to the legendary footballer who died on April 12, 2025
Chukwu was the Eagles Captain when Nigeria won its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980 on home soil.
Between 2002 and 2005, Chukwu served as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles leading the team to winning a bronze medal at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted in Tunisia.
In April 2024, Chukwu accused the NFF of owing him salary from his tenure as head coach of the national team.
Reacting to the allegation after Chukwu’s death, the NFF General secretary asked anyone with a “genuine document” of the Federation’s indebtedness to the late Chukwu to present it to the federation.
Muhammed said a panel was set up at some point to resolve all outstanding payments to coaches. According to him, even debts from previous NFF administrations were paid.
The NFF general secretary claimed that Chukwu’s salary was among those cleared by the committee.
“There is no record in the NFF of any outstanding indebtedness to ‘Chairman Chukwu,” he said.
“During the first term of the Board headed by Mr. Amaju Pinnick, a committee was set up to diligently verify the documents of coaches who were being owed by the Federation . We dug back to previous NFF administrations to unearth such indebtedness.
“That committee was expressly mandated to verify and clear all debts immediately.
“I am aware that ‘Chairman’ was at the service of the NFF between 2002 and 2005, before he was relieved of the post following the 1-1 draw with Angola in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Kano in August 2005.
“There is certainly no record of any indebtedness to him in the NFF. That is all we know. We however want whoever that can prove it to please come forward with relevant documents to authenticate the claims”