The Nigerian football community is in mourning following the passing of Mrs. Sarah Chukwueze, the mother of Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze. President Bola Tinubu, alongside the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC), has expressed his deepest sympathies to the Chukwueze family.
In a statement released on Thursday, President Tinubu described the loss as a significant blow, especially coming at a time when the Nigerian football community is already reeling from a similar tragedy involving another national star, Wilfred Ndidi, whose father passed away just a few days ago.
“The passing of Mrs. Chukwueze, the mother of one of our bright football stars, just a few days after the passing of Super Eagles’ Captain Wilfred Ndidi’s father, is deeply saddening,” the President said. “I mourn with them, and I am with them in prayers during this difficult time.”
The President encouraged the Chukwueze family to remain strong and find peace in the impactful life lived by their late matriarch. He urged them to “find solace in the memory and legacy” of Mrs. Chukwueze and offered a prayer for the repose of her soul, asking that “God Almighty will grant the departed eternal rest.”
The NFF general secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, also described the development as devastating, noting that Mrs. Chukwueze had been a vital presence in her children’s lives. “We are aware that Mrs. Sarah Chukwueze was a vital and supportive presence in the lives of her children, including our international player, Samuel Chukwueze,” Sanusi said. “We pray that God will grant her eternal rest, and also grant those she has left behind, including Samuel and his siblings, the fortitude to bear the big loss.”
The NSC, in its statement, extended condolences to the footballer and his family, describing the late Mrs. Chukwueze as a strong support figure in her son’s career. “The National Sports Commission is deeply saddened by the confirmed passing of Mrs. Sarah Chukwueze, mother of Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze,” the statement read. “The role of family remains central to the character and resilience shown by many of our elite athletes. Mrs. Chukwueze’s influence on the personal journey of her son and her support for his professional pursuit are acknowledged and respected by the sports community.”
Samuel Chukwueze’s siblings, Princess Chukwueze and David Chukwueze, took to social media to announce the passing of their mother, with David struggling to come to terms with the loss. “Can’t even post your picture to say RIP mum,” he wrote. “My forever love just left me without saying goodbye. You didn’t even carry your grandchild.”
The Nigerian football community is in shock and mourning following the passing of Mrs. Chukwueze, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Chukwueze family during this difficult time. May God grant her eternal rest and comfort those she has left behind.
