Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is mourning the death of his mother, Sarah Chukwueze, after a period of illness, deepening a wave of grief that has recently swept through Nigeria’s senior men’s national team.
The sad news was first made public on Thursday, 29 January, by members of the Chukwueze family.
His brother, David, announced the passing via his social media platform, describing the loss as a painful blow to the family. He also shared heartfelt tributes on Instagram in honour of their late mother.
Behind the scenes, Samuel Chukwueze had been dealing with the emotional strain in silence. Sources close to the player disclosed that even while his mother was gravely ill, the winger chose to remain fully committed to his duties for both club and country. He continued to train and play, delivering solid performances for Fulham and the Super Eagles despite the personal pain he was carrying.
Those close to the situation said the player deliberately kept the matter private, preferring to shield his family’s struggle from public attention. His quiet resilience has since drawn admiration from fans and colleagues, highlighting the emotional burdens professional athletes often bear away from the spotlight.
Since the news broke, tributes and condolence messages have poured in from teammates, fans and football stakeholders, all rallying around the winger with prayers and words of comfort.
NFF, NSC mourn again
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also expressed deep sadness over the loss. In a statement, the federation confirmed that Mrs Chukwueze passed away in the early hours of Thursday, describing her as a strong influence in the life of the Super Eagles forward.
Reacting to the development, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said: “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.
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“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.”
Also, in another statement, the National Sports Commission expressed its condolences to the Fulham forward, on loan from AC Milan, and his family, acknowledging the pain of the loss.
“The National Sports Commission mourns with Samuel Chukwueze and his family on the passing of his mother, Mrs Sarah Chukwueze. Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones as they navigate this painful moment. May her soul rest in peace,” the statement read.
Mrs Chukwueze’s death comes at a particularly emotional time for the Super Eagles family. Only days earlier, team captain Wilfred Ndidi lost his father in a tragic road accident, compounding the sense of loss within the national camp and Nigerian football at large.
As the football community continues to mourn, support for Chukwueze and his family remains strong, with many calling for unity, compassion, and prayers during this difficult period.
