Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze on Saturday laid his mother, Prophetess (Dr.) Mrs. Sarah Chinyere Chukwueze, to rest in his hometown of Isieke community, Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, in a ceremony attended by top figures in Nigerian football and other dignitaries.
Leading the football family to pay their final respects was Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, who was accompanied by Felix Anyansi-Agwu, First Vice President of the federation, and Chikelue Iloenyosi, Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association, among other football stakeholders.
Speaking during the funeral, Gusau described the late matriarch as a remarkable mother whose values helped shape a disciplined, humble and patriotic son who continues to bring pride to Nigeria through his exploits on the international stage.
He prayed for God to grant the Chukwueze family the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss.
The open-air funeral service, conducted by interdenominational ministers at Isieke School Field, attracted a large gathering of family members, friends, associates, community leaders and sympathisers.
Tributes poured in as speakers took turns to recount the late Prophetess Sarah Chukwueze’s acts of kindness, generosity and unwavering faith in God.
Many described her as a compassionate woman who opened her home to countless people, supported the less privileged and served as a source of hope and encouragement to those around her.
The solemn event also drew political leaders, traditional rulers, football administrators, business associates and well-wishers from different parts of the country, all of whom gathered to honour her memory and celebrate a life they described as impactful and devoted to service.
The burial marked an emotional moment for Chukwueze, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated football stars, as he bid a final farewell to the woman many credited for playing a pivotal role in his journey to success.
13tg5c