In the National Assembly, Senator Victor Umeh, who represents the Anambra Central Senatorial District, has encouraged the Igbo people to remember the contribution made by Christian Chukwu, the late coach of the Super Eagles and former Rangers International Captain.
According to the DAILY POST, Chukwu, who died a few weeks ago, will be laid to rest on August 16 of this year.
When Umeh visited the family of the late Christian Chukwu in Enugu to offer condolences, he spoke.
Prominent Igbo sons were exhorted by him to never forget the sacrifices made by Chukwu and former Rangers International Football Club players to bring Igbos together, particularly following the civil war in the 1970s.
Following his signing of the condolence register at Chukwu’s home in Trans-Ekulu Enugu, the Senator reminisced about Chairman Chukwu’s contributions to Rangers and the Nigerian national team.
In order to honor their efforts to the emancipation of the Igbo race, he emphasized that Ndigbo should provide support to the families of the Rangers players who passed away and those who were still alive.
He offered consolation to Chairman Chukwu’s widow, Mrs. Lilian Nkeiruka and her kids, and the players of the erstwhile Rangers Football Club at the passing of their coach and captain.
He said: “Chairman Christian Chukwu made Ndigbo proud with his Football Career.
“His role in Rangers International Football Club remains indelible in our hearts.
“Chairman Chukwu and his Team’s impressive performance made us forget the sad memories of the Biafran War which made Rangers and its players at the time to become idols, which we all adored.
“Rangers International Football Club played a significant Role in the emancipation and reintegration of the Igbos after the Nigerian Civil War in the 70s.
“The club served as a symbol of Igbo identity, resilience, and gave us a sense of pride in Nigeria, especially when they defeated major Clubs in the National League and International Football Competitions.
They defeated IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan, also known as the 3SC, in the 1975 Challenge Cup final, defeated them again in the 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final, and defeated Alyufsalam Rocks of Ilorin in the 1976 Challenge Cup final, to name a few of their noteworthy triumphs. We were so proud of the Rangers.
At the time, Rangers provided us Igbo people with a feeling of purpose, belonging, and psychological healing through its accomplishments and strong Igbo identity. We would drop everything to watch them play live.
“We will always remember Chairman Christian Chukwu and his men, both those who are still alive and those who have passed away, for doing their best. Their legacy endures in our hearts, thus we will also keep their families in mind.
Senator Umeh visited the famous Rangers and Green Eagles goalkeeper, Chief Emmanuel Okala, together with Barr. Chief JoeMartin Uzodike, the founding secretary of Rangers International FC from 1974 to 1984.
Among the former Rangers players in attendance during Senator Umeh’s visit was Pastor Igweokolo Austin, Chairman of Ex-Rangers International, who thanked him for keeping Chairman Chukwu’s family in his thoughts during their time of sorrow.
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