Sports
FCT FA Mourns 1980 AFCON Winning Captain Chukuw
Joel Ajayi
The FCT Football Association Chairman, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Muhammed on behalf of the FCT Football family is expressing his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family and the Nigeria Football family over the demise of the 1980 AFCON winning Captain, Christian Chukwu, popularly known as Chairman Christian Chukwu who died at the age of 74 at his native home in Enugu on Saturday.
The FCT FA Chairman, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Muhammed, commiserates with the family over this sad death of Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, who later could ached the Nigeria Super Eagles years after winning the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations as Captain of the team.
Alhaji Adam Mouktar Muhammed described the demise of Christian Chukwu as great loss to not only football, but sports in general.
“This is coming to us in the FCT as a rude shock. Nigeria has lost a gem. A hero. A man who many see as an embodiment of strength, character and goals. He was very dedicated to sports growth and develop all his lifetime. He will surely be missed.
“All we can say is that we pray that Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal rest.
Grant his family and friends, and Nigeria football’s family the fortitude to bear this great loss.” Late Christian Chukwu was in the Nigeria senior team that won bronze medals at the 1976 and 1978 AFCON finals in Ethiopia and Ghana respectively, before leading the squad to glory on home soil in 1980. He was named Player of the Tournament.
Born on 4th January 1951, Chukwu coached his darling club, Enugu Rangers (he played for only one club in his career) and then coached the senior national team of Kenya, nicknamed the Harambee Stars.
He was named Head Coach of the Super Eagles in 2002, and led the team to finish third at the 2004 AFCON finals in Tunisia.
Sports
Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation
Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.
The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.
In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.
“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”
Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.
“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.
“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”
The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.
“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.
He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.
As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.
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