Chukwueze’s Mother Laid to Rest in Umuahia

Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze on Friday laid his mother, Mrs Serah Chinyere Chukwueze, to rest in Umuahia, Abia State, in a ceremony attended by Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau, fellow Super Eagles players and a large gathering of dignitaries from across the South East.

Chukwueze lost his mother on January 29 following a brief illness, at a time when he was on duty with his then-loan club Fulham and was unable to return to Nigeria immediately.

In keeping with the significance of burial rites in South East Nigeria, where a formal ceremony for a matriarch requires extensive planning, the 27-year-old waited until the end of the football season to hold a fitting send-off.

Fellow Eagles stars Chidozie Awaziem and Kelechi Iheanacho were present to stand by their grieving teammate, while NFF President Gusau also made the trip to pay his respects. Chukwueze, dressed in white native attire, was visibly emotional in the moments before his mother was laid to rest, though he appeared to find some comfort during the reception that followed.

With the burial behind him, Chukwueze now faces decisions about his club future. His loan spell at Fulham, where he registered three goals and four assists in 23 Premier League appearances, came to an end with the conclusion of the season.

The winger has expressed a desire to remain in London, but Fulham have decided against a permanent deal. Meanwhile, parent club AC Milan, currently in a period of transition, are also said to be open to moving him on, leaving his situation unresolved heading into the summer window.

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