Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze is mourning the death of his mother, Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, following a brief illness.
The news was first made public by the footballer’s brother, David Chukwueze, who shared a series of emotional messages on Instagram expressing the family’s grief. Although Samuel Chukwueze has not yet released an official statement, the posts offered a glimpse into the depth of the loss.
In one message, David wrote, “Can’t even post your picture to say RIP mum,” while another read, “My forever love just left me without saying goodbye.” He also lamented that their late mother did not live to carry her grandchild.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) later confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, describing Mrs Chukwueze’s death as a painful loss to the Nigerian sports community.
“The National Sports Commission is deeply saddened by the confirmed passing of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, mother of Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze,” the statement said, noting that the family had publicly announced her passing.
The Commission highlighted the important role family support plays in the careers of Nigerian athletes, describing Mrs Chukwueze as a key source of strength in her son’s journey in football.
“Her influence on Samuel Chukwueze’s personal and professional growth is recognised and respected by the sports community,” the NSC stated, adding that it stands in solidarity with the player and his family during the period of mourning.
Chukwueze, who recently featured for the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria finished third, is yet to speak publicly on the loss.
The sad development comes only days after Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi also lost his father, Sunday Ndidi, in a fatal road accident in Delta State, casting a pall over the national team camp.