Earlier today, I visited the Wall of Fame at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Lagos.
The National monument is still looking as beautiful as when it was erected two years ago for everlasting remembrance and recognition of the historic contribution of some forgotten sports heroes to Nigeria’s Sports Diplomacy.
Amongst the names written permanently on the marbled wall are those of the ‘Chairman’, Christian Chukwu, MFR, and Charles Bassey, MON, two members of Nigeria’s 1980 African Cup of Nations’ winning squad. Both of them died a few hours apart, on the same day, a few weeks ago.
The body of Christian Chukwu, a former Captain and Coach of the national team of Nigeria, will be laid to rest in Enugu State on August 16, 2025.
That of Charles Bassey will be buried on August 9, 2025, in Akwa Ibom State.
Whilst details of both funerals will soon be made public, Special Organising committees have been set up by the respective families and State Governments of the two heroes to handle the arrangements for their funerals.
Those desirous to play a part in the arrangements, or want to support the families in any way to make the events befitting, should please do so. They need all the support the public can render NOW.
I shall publish the names and contact details of the persons that can be reached for that purpose, soon.
Meanwhile, I am also heading a small independent committee in Lagos, to organise a ‘Night of Tributes’ for friends and fans of Christian Chukwu that may not be able to attend the funeral in Enugu, but wish to be a part of the national event in Lagos.
The event of songs and tributes will take place by the famous wall at the NIIA, Victoria Island Lagos, in the evening of July 28th, 2025, the second anniversary of the decoration of the heroes as AirPeace Ambassadors.
Any individuals or groups interested in being a part of this small but special evening, in any way, can contact me through this platform, or directly, privately. Every contribution shall be acknowledged properly.
Meanwhile, I invite all to enjoy this short clip of the AirPeace-sponsored ‘NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame’ waiting to receive family, fans and friends of ‘the Chairman’ in Lagos, soon.
