Super Eagles Forward Samuel Chukwueze Mourns Mother's Passing
Nigerian football has been struck by sorrow as Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze faces profound personal loss with the passing of his mother, Mrs Sarah Chukwueze. The tragic news emerged on Thursday, January 29, 2026, following what family sources describe as a brief illness that ultimately claimed her life.
Family Announces Heartbreaking News Through Social Media
The devastating announcement was first made public by Samuel's brother, David Chukwueze, through emotional posts on Instagram that revealed the family's struggle to process their grief. In one particularly poignant message, David expressed the difficulty of even sharing the news, writing "Can't even post your picture to say RIP mum" – a testament to the raw emotional impact of this sudden loss.
Multiple reports indicate that Mrs Chukwueze had been battling health challenges for some time before her passing. While Samuel Chukwueze himself has not yet released a personal statement, the family's social media posts clearly demonstrate the profound devastation they are experiencing as they attempt to come to terms with this painful reality.
Tragic Timing Following Professional Triumph
The timing of this personal tragedy adds an additional layer of heartbreak for the footballer, coming just days after what should have been a celebratory professional moment. Chukwueze had recently scored for Fulham in their 2-1 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion in the English Premier League on January 24 – a performance that many supporters viewed as redemption following criticism he faced after missing a penalty during Nigeria's AFCON 2025 semi-final clash against Morocco.
That missed penalty had placed the winger under intense scrutiny from sections of the football community, making his recent club goal particularly significant for restoring confidence among fans. Unfortunately, what should have been a period of renewed momentum and professional satisfaction has now been overshadowed by profound personal grief.
National Sports Commission Extends Official Condolences
In response to this sad development, Nigeria's National Sports Commission has issued an official statement confirming Mrs Chukwueze's passing and expressing solidarity with the grieving family. The Commission described the late Mrs Chukwueze as a strong support figure in her son's football journey and offered words of comfort during this difficult period.
"The National Sports Commission is deeply saddened by the confirmed passing of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, mother of Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze," the statement read. "The National Sports Commission stands in solidarity with Samuel Chukwueze and offers support to him and his family at this difficult time."
Somber Mood Over Nigerian Football Community
This tragedy comes amidst an already sorrowful period for the Super Eagles camp, as captain Wilfred Ndidi also recently lost his father in a car accident. The back-to-back personal losses affecting two key national team players have cast a pall over Nigerian football, particularly following the team's bronze medal finish at the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Chukwueze was an integral part of that AFCON squad, making his mother's passing especially poignant coming so soon after his international duties. The football community now rallies around both players, offering support as they navigate these challenging personal circumstances while maintaining their professional commitments.
The coming weeks will undoubtedly be difficult for Samuel Chukwueze as he balances mourning with his ongoing football career at Fulham, where he has scored three goals this season according to Transfermarkt statistics. The entire Nigerian sports community extends its deepest sympathies to the Chukwueze family during this period of profound loss.
