By Obinna Uballa
Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has lost his mother, Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, plunging the footballer and his family into mourning.
While Chukwueze has yet to publicly confirm the loss, his brother, David Chukwueze, announced the development through a series of emotional posts on Instagram, expressing deep pain over their mother’s passing.
“Can’t even post your picture to say RIP mum,” David wrote in one post. In another, he added, “My forever love just left me without saying goodbye,” lamenting that she did not live to carry her grandchild.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) later confirmed the death in a statement issued on Thursday, disclosing that Mrs Chukwueze passed away after a brief illness.
“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, noting that the announcement had been made public by members of the family.
The Commission described the late Mrs Chukwueze as a strong pillar in her son’s career, acknowledging the crucial role families play in shaping the resilience and character of elite Nigerian 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 NSC stated.
It added that it stood in solidarity with the AC Milan forward and his family during the period of mourning.
Chukwueze, who featured for Nigeria at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Super Eagles finished third, has not yet issued a personal statement on the loss.
The tragedy comes just two days after Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi lost his father, Sunday Ndidi, in a road accident at Umunede, Delta State, compounding a difficult period for the national team family.
