The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, mother of Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze, describing the loss as a painful blow to the Nigerian football family.

In a condolence message on Thursday, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said the federation was devastated by the news, especially coming just days after the Super Eagles had mourned another bereavement involving the family of team captain, Wilfred Ndidi.

“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,” Sanusi said.

He noted that the AC Milan forward had consistently acknowledged his mother’s influence on his career and personal development, describing her passing as a profound loss not only to the family but also to Nigerian football.

“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 added.

The NFF General Secretary offered prayers for the repose of Mrs Chukwueze’s soul and strength for the bereaved family.

“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,” he said.

The federation assured the Chukwueze family of its support and solidarity during the period of mourning, as the Super Eagles community continues to stand together in difficult times.

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Nigeria’s football family has been plunged into fresh grief following the death of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, mother of Super Eagles forward, Samuel Chukwueze, barely days after the national team mourned the loss of the father of captain Wilfred Ndidi.

Mrs Chukwueze passed away in the early hours of Thursday, January 29, 2026, after a brief illness, marking another painful moment for the senior national team community already shaken by recent bereavement.

The sad news was announced on Thursday morning by Samuel Chukwueze’s siblings, Princess and David Chukwueze, through their respective social media platforms, where they paid tribute to the family matriarch.

Chukwueze, one of Nigeria’s most consistent attacking talents in recent years, has often spoken publicly about the central role his mother played in his upbringing and football journey, making the loss particularly devastating.

The tragedy comes at a difficult time for the Super Eagles, as the football fraternity continues to rally around players and families affected by personal loss, following the recent death of the father of team captain Wilfred Ndidi.

Messages of condolence have begun to pour in from fans, teammates, officials and football stakeholders across Nigeria and beyond, reflecting the deep sense of unity within the national team during moments of sorrow.

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Viktoria Plzen signed Nigeria international Salim Fago Lawal from Croatia’s NK Istra on Tuesday. The Czech club said the 23-year-old centre forward, who can also be used as a winger, had penned a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Lawal has scored seven goals this season in his 19 games for Istra in the Croatian league and cup.

Financial details were not disclosed, but Viktoria reportedly paid 2.4 million euros ($2.9 million) for Lawal, who was in the Nigerian team that claimed the bronze medal at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Viktoria has reached the knockout stage of the Europa League.

-AP

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