The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has praised the contributions of former national football star, captain and coach, Chief Christian Chukwu.

Obi, who was at Chukwu's book presentation on Wednesday in Lagos, took time also to interact with other Nigerian soccer heroes, ‘Mathematical’ Segun Odegbami and ‘Quick Sliver’ Slyvanus Okpala.

The LP standard bearer said in his X handle after the event. He wrote:

“Yesterday, I was a guest of honour at the official presentation of Christian Chukwu's biography titled, “The Field Marshal – A Biography of an African Football Legend,” in Lagos.

“Christian Chukwu was a legendary Nigerian football player and coach. He captained Nigeria's national team to its first win in the African Nations Cup. He also captained Rangers International of Enugu, one of the most successful football clubs in the Country. His two popular nicknames Chairman and Field Marshal say it all about his commanding posture in the game of football in Nigeria and Africa as a player and a coach.

“Undoubtedly, Chukwu greatly contributed immensely to the development of the game of football in Nigeria, and beyond, having been coach of the Kenyan National team in 1998 and also Lebanon in the 1990s, making him the first Nigerian to coach a national team of another country.

“Celebrating past heroes like Christian Chukwu, and indeed other past heroes, who have made significant impacts in the country, remains a progressive culture that must be adopted by the government, at all levels, and indeed all Nigerians. We must learn to celebrate those who, in many ways, contributed positively and rightly to the development of our dear nation. Such heroes through their exemplary lives can serve as role models to the younger generation to remain committed to our development as a nation.

“I thank the organizers of the event for coming up with this idea. I do hope this will be replicated across the different sectors of the economy, recognizing and appreciating inspiring personalities in education, health, economy, etc. Such trends will encourage productivity among individuals and help us to achieve the New Nigeria of our dreams.”

•Obi with Christian Chukwu, Segun Odegbami and Slyvanus Okpala at the book presentation

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