Akwa Ibom FA Mourns Death of 1980 AFCON Heroes Charles Bassey and Christian Chukwu | SportsRation

The Akwa Ibom State Soccer Affiliation has expressed deep disappointment over the dying of Nigerian soccer legends, Charles Bassey (MON) and Christian Chukwu (MON), who had been half of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning group.

In a press release on Sunday, the FA Chairman, Mr Samuel Umoh, described their passing as a “double tragedy” and an enormous loss to Nigerian soccer.

Each former gamers died on Saturday, 12 April 2025. Christian Chukwu, who captained the 1980 AFCON group, died within the morning in Enugu. Later that day, Charles Bassey handed away after a protracted sickness at his dwelling in Eket, Akwa Ibom State. He was 71 years outdated.

Reacting to the unhappy information, Mr Umoh stated:

“It’s a unhappy day for Nigerian soccer. Shedding two heroes of the 1980 AFCON group in someday is a double tragedy. These males had been extra than simply gamers — they had been leaders, mentors, and half of Nigeria’s proud soccer historical past. Their knowledge and presence will probably be missed, however their names will all the time be remembered.”

Chukwu and Bassey had been members of the historic 22-man Tremendous Eagles squad that received Nigeria’s first AFCON title, beating Algeria 3-0 within the closing on the Nationwide Stadium in Surulere on 22 March 1980.