Nigeria football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles stars turned out in their numbers as Samuel Chukwueze laid his mother, Mrs. Serah Chinyere Chukwueze, to rest at the weekend in Abia State.
The year began with personal tragedy for the Fulham star, who lost his mother on January 29 following a brief illness. At the time, he was on duty with his club, Fulham, which prevented him from returning to Nigeria immediately for the funeral.
In the South East of Nigeria, funeral rites—particularly for a matriarch or the mother of a prominent figure—are deeply significant, elaborate, and need extensive planning. As a result, Chukwueze waited until the end of the football season to return to his home state of Abia for a proper burial ceremony in Umuahia.
The event was well-attended, drawing government dignitaries, social media personalities, and prominent entrepreneurs in the South East. Notably, Chukwueze received strong support from his Super Eagles teammates and officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Fellow Super Eagles stars Chidozie Awaziem and Kelechi Iheanacho were spotted standing by their grieving teammate during the ceremony, and NFF President Ibrahim Gusau was also in attendance to pay his respects.
Chukwueze, dressed in white native attire was in tears just before his mother was laid to rest. Before her death, Mrs. Chukwueze was a pillar in her son’s life, and would always back him. He even used to share pictures of her on his social media pages.
With the burial done and dusted, the former Villareal star will have to start thinking about his future. He spent last year on loan at Fulham from AC Milan. And with the campaign all over and Fulham now ready to retain him at the Craven Cottage where he has been enjoying team work with compatriots Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, he is now set to return to the Rossoneri.
The 27-year-old had iterated that he would love to stay in London after a decent debut year that saw him register three goals and four assists in 23 Premier League games.
