President Bola Tinubu, alongside the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission, has expressed his deepest sympathies to Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze following the passing of his mother, Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, The PUNCH reports.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, who passed away on Thursday.
The President 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.
“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.
Reflecting on the emotional toll these losses have taken on the national team players, Tinubu assured the grieving families of his personal support and spiritual solidarity.
“I mourn with them, and I am with them in prayers during this difficult time,” the President added.
In his message of comfort, Tinubu 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.
Concluding the state message, the President offered a prayer for the repose of the soul of the departed, asking that “God Almighty will grant the departed eternal rest.”
Mrs Chukwueze died in the early hours of Thursday after a brief illness, according to a statement by the NSC.
The announcement was made by the Fulham winger’s siblings, Princess Chukwueze and David Chukwueze, on their respective social media platforms on Thursday morning.
In a series of emotional posts on Instagram, David struggled to come to terms with the loss, writing, “Can’t even post your picture to say RIP mum.”
In another post, he said, “My forever love just left me without saying goodbye.” He also noted, “You didn’t even carry your grandchild.”
The NFF general secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, 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. Samuel has always, at every opportunity, acknowledged his mother’s influence on his professional development. We are sad at her departure, coming only a few days after we had to mourn the sudden passing of the father of Super Eagles’ captain, Wilfred Ndidi,” 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.
“Across the landscape of Nigerian sport, 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.
“The National Sports Commission stands in solidarity with Samuel Chukwueze and offers support to him and his family at this difficult time.”
Details surrounding her illness were not disclosed.
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