Christian Chukwu to arrive in UK tonight where he will undergo treatment at private London hospital

FORMER Super Eagles skipper Christian Chukwu will arrive in the UK tonight for medical treatment on his nagging prostate cancer ailment at the prestigious Saint Elizabeth and Saint John’s Hospital in London.

Chukwu, 68, was the first Nigerian skipper to lead the Super Eagles to continental glory when he captained the team that won the African Cup of Nations in 1980. He subsequently became a coach of the U17 team and eventually ended up becoming the head coach of the Super Eagles, leading the team to the 2004 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia where Nigeria came third.

Earlier this year, however, it was revealed that Christian Chukwu was suffering from prostate cancer and with his condition looking grim, he is being flown out to the UK today. Chukwu will be travelling from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a Virgin Airline flight and is due in London tonight.

To be accompanied by his wife, sister and a Super Eagles’ doctor, Chukwu's trip is being funded by philanthropist Femi Otedola. Aisha Falode, the chair of the Nigeria Football Federation Women Committee and another board member will also travel with the party to ensure nothing goes wrong with their passage through the airport.

Tomorrow, Chukwu will undergo treatment under the watchful eyes of the renowned neurosurgeon, Dr Ajayi in London.NFF chairman Amaju Pinnick has helped facilitate the trip and is expected to pay a visit at some stage.