Chukwueze: NFF mourns dark week for Nigeria as winger loses mother days after Ndidi tragedy

The Nigerian football community has been plunged into a deep state of mourning yet again following the heartbreaking news that Mrs. Sarah Chukwueze, mother of Super Eagles star Samuel Chukwueze, passed away.

The devastating news was confirmed by the player’s siblings, Princess and David Chukwueze, who took to their respective social media platforms to announce the transition of their family matriarch.

According to the family, Mrs. Chukwueze passed away after a brief illness in the early hours of Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Mrs. Sarah Chukwueze was widely known as the quiet force behind Samuel’s rise from the streets of Umuahia to the grand stages of European football.

Throughout his career, the Fulham winger has never missed an opportunity to credit his mother for her unwavering belief and sacrifice during his developmental years.

In a somber statement, the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed the profound grief felt by the country’s football governing body.

“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.”

“Samuel has always, at every opportunity, acknowledged his mother’s influence on his professional development,” Dr. Sanusi stated.

The loss comes at a particularly painful time for the national team. Just forty-eight hours prior, the football community was shaken by the sudden passing of Sunday Ndidi, the father of Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi, following a tragic road accident.

Dr. Sanusi noted the heavy toll these consecutive losses have taken on the squad and the federation.

“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. 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 added.

As the news filters through the football world, tributes have begun pouring in for the Chukwueze family.

Fans, teammates, and officials alike are standing in solidarity with the "Chef" of Craven Cottage during what is undoubtedly the most difficult match of his life.