Ex-African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba hails late Christian Chukwu as Nigeria’s greatest ever player in national colors. A legendary tribute to the icon.
Ikpeba also crowns Mohamed Salah Africa’s best Premier League star. The bold picks ignite debates on all-time African football greatness.
Ikpeba’s Emotional Chukwu Tribute on Monday Night Football
Ikpeba made the remarks during an appearance on Monday Night Football, where he paid an emotional tribute to Chukwu, who died in April 2025.
“Christian Chukwu. He was the first star to win the Africa Cup of Nations. An iconic player, I saw him play as a young boy.
In that era, there were a lot of talents like Muda Lawal,” the former Monaco forward said.
Late Christian Chukwu captained Nigeria to their first AFCON title in 1980. His leadership defined the Super Eagles’ historic continental triumph.
Chukwu Leads Rangers to 1977 African Cup Glory
Chukwu starred in Enugu Rangers’ 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup win.
They defeated Canon Yaoundé in the final, cementing his legendary status.
He later served the game as a coach with both the Golden Eaglets and the Super Eagles.
Ikpeba, who won the 1994 AFCON and the 1996 Olympic gold with Nigeria, reflected on the depth of talent across generations.
“In my era, we enjoyed abundant choices: the 1994 team, the Olympic-winning team, and the 2013 AFCON champions.”
Recently, players like Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
There have been lots of great players who have worn this jersey in the past,” he added.
Ikpeba: Salah Tops All Africans in Premier League
“Looking at other great Africans who have played in the Premier League, his numbers are astonishing. I would say he is the best. T
op scorer in the Premier League three times, actually four. I don’t think any African player has ever done that.
Ikpeba: Salah’s Treble Glory Ensures Eternal Legacy
He was, however, candid about the Egyptian’s current form.
“This season, he has been terrible; age has caught up with him.
He doesn’t have the legs like he did in his early years at Liverpool.
Maybe because of family reasons, he signed a new contract.
And he had decided to stay for another season, which is not bad,” he added.
