March 09, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian sporting community, which is still mourning the deaths of Sunny Obazu-Ojeagbase and Fabio Lanipekun, was shocked to learn early Wednesday that former Flying Eagles captain Justice Christopher had collapsed and died at his hotel complex in Jos, Plateau state.
Christopher, a vital part of the Super Eagles side that competed in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, was said to be suffering from moderate hypertension before suffering what is suspected to be a cardiac arrest.
He was a defensive midfielder in his playing days, and according to Stephen Lokrit, who was with him all night, he was extremely lively on Tuesday as he felicitated and ate with his friends.
The 40-year-old was immediately taken to the hospital, where his death was confirmed.
Justice Christopher was a captain of the Nigerian Flying Eagles, the country’s Under-20 national team, to the 2001 Africa Youth Championship in Egypt. The late Stephen Keshi was the team’s coach.
He made his Super Eagles debut in the same year, during the FIFA World Cup qualifying series, and went on to earn a total of 11 caps, including an Africa Cup of Nations appearance and a World Cup appearance, all in 2002. He was a late addition to that 2002 Africa Cup of Nations squad and appeared in only the third-place playoff against Mali.
Christopher, whose professional career began with Katsina United, went on to play for Sharks, and Bendel Insurance in Nigeria, before going abroad and playing in the colours of Antwerp FC (Belgium), Levski Sofia (Bulgaria), Trelleborgs FF (Sweden), Alania Vladikavkaz (Russia), and Herflge BK (Denmark).
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
