By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed sadness over the demise of the former coach of the Super Eagles, Christian Chukwu, fondly called Chairman.

The 1980 Africa Cup of Nations’ (AFCON)-winning captained died in the morning of Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the age of 74 in Enugu, his home state.

In a statement today, the football governing body of Nigeria said, “We have lost a good and great man. Chukwu was the definition of a strong, dedicated and disciplined leader on and off the field. He was not nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for nothing. He embodied strength, vision and consistency.”

In the statement signed by its General Secretary, Mr Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF further said prayed that, “The Almighty will grant his soul eternal rest, and also grant the family and friends he has left behind, and Nigeria football’s fraternity the fortitude to bear this big loss.”

Christian Chukwu was born on January 4, 1951, enjoyed an imposing presence and authority in front of the rearguard at both club (Enugu Rangers) and country.

He was in the Nigeria senior team that won bronze medals at the 1976 and 1978 AFCON finals in Ethiopia and Ghana respectively, before leading the squad to glory on home soil in 1980. He was named Player of the Tournament.

The deceased coached his darling club, Enugu Rangers (he played for only one club in his career) and then coached the senior national team of Kenya, nicknamed the Harambee Stars.

He was named Head Coach of the Super Eagles in 2002, and led the team to finish third at the 2004 AFCON finals in Tunisia.

His death comes exactly 20 days after the 45th anniversary of the 1980 AFCON triumph. Before him, other members of the squad that had passed on, are goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong, defenders Okechukwu Isima and Tunde Bamidele, midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal, and forward Martins Eyo.

By Dipo Olowookere

A former coach of the Super Eagles, Christian Chukwu, has died at the age of 74, reports reaching us stated.

The former Green Eagles captain was said to have passed away on Saturday.

The deceased captained the Nigerian national football team that clinched the country’s first Africa Nations’ Cup (AFCON) trophy in 1980.

He later led the team to the 2004 African Cup of Nations as a coach, reaching the semi-finals. He managed the team from 2003 to 2005 before he left.

At the time of filing this report, details surrounding his death were sketchy.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had yet to comment on the development.

Details later…

Italy and Germany have played many matches in their history. But none of them left fans in confusion and boredom. Often, these matches are accompanied by a vivid heat, and analysts forming both team to score predictions will not be far from the truth.

Each match between these teams is a separate football story. They approach the quarter-final duel in the Nations League in interesting line-ups with good opportunities. Let’s try to predict the result of the confrontation together with the analysts of xGscore.io.

Concerns about Italy have been debunked

Italy has finally experienced a generational change. If at Euro 2024 they almost failed (losing to Switzerland in the 1/8 finals), then in the League of Nations on equal terms with France and could take first place in the group. Therefore, most predictions for soccer have become more favorable to this team.

The team has one of the best goalkeepers in the world Gianluigi Donnarruma. Apart from him, the following are performing well:

Calafiori;
Frattesi;
Retegui;
Raspadori;
Barella.

Also, young and gifted players (Daniel Maldini, etc) are being brought up. Therefore, Luciano Spalletti has a lot to choose from. All that remains is to pick the right squad, and this specialist will have no problems with it. And it is also necessary to take into account the capabilities and discipline of the German national team.

Will Germany be able to become a Bundesmachine again?

Germany is already becoming a machine. The team at the Euros lost to future winners Spain in a difficult encounter (the penalty on Cucurella was discussed for a long time). In the Nations League, the team showed itself perfectly, winning 4 matches and taking first place in the group. However, there were still questions about the team’s stability. At times, it failed, and the match with Hungary is proof of that.

The goalkeeper position is the most questionable in the squad. After the end of Manuel Neuer's career in the national team, the goalkeeper position can be closed by Nubel or Baumann. In other positions, Nagelsmann has a good selection of players from German and top European clubs. Their discipline should help the team score well. But recently, their defense has not been as reliable as always (in 3 matches the team conceded in the group stage).

Match prediction

Despite Italy’s readiness in this case, Nagelsmann’s men should still be favored for experience and cohesion. Yes, it will not be an easy victory, and most likely Retegui will find his moment and Scuadra will score. But the Bundesmachine is still predicted to win, albeit with a minimum score. This is indicated by the cohesion of their team and the chemistry between the players. Italy still has top players, but even from different championships.

Therefore, we predict a victory for Germany, but it will not be easy.

Conclusion

Analysts of xGscore.io carefully check all the matches between the teams and their readiness to play in optimal lineups. It is not a problem for Germany and Italy to find strong players, even if someone can’t come to the game. But in this case, the team’s approach in excellent conditions. Scoring Retegui allows the Scuadra to count on goals. But overall, as a team, it is Germany that will look more favorable.

Please note that the forecast does not guarantee successful bets. Football is bright emotions and unpredictable matches. So, enjoy the game and make your predictions, but take into account the opinion of our experts.