Akwa Ibom FA Mourns Death of 1980 AFCON Heroes Charles Bassey and Christian Chukwu
The Akwa Ibom State Football Association has expressed deep sadness over the death of Nigerian football legends, Charles Bassey (MON) and Christian Chukwu (MON), who were part of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team.
In a statement on Sunday, the FA Chairman, Mr Samuel Umoh, described their passing as a “double tragedy” and a huge loss to Nigerian football.
Both former players died on Saturday, 12 April 2025. Christian Chukwu, who captained the 1980 AFCON team, died in the morning in Enugu. Later that day, Charles Bassey passed away after a long illness at his home in Eket, Akwa Ibom State. He was 71 years old.
Reacting to the sad news, Mr Umoh said:
“It is a sad day for Nigerian football. Losing two heroes of the 1980 AFCON team in one day is a double tragedy. These men were more than just players — they were leaders, mentors, and part of Nigeria’s proud football history. Their wisdom and presence will be missed, but their names will always be remembered.”
Chukwu and Bassey were members of the historic 22-man Super Eagles squad that won Nigeria’s first AFCON title, beating Algeria 3-0 in the final at the National Stadium in Surulere on 22 March 1980.
