Samuel Chukwueze Buries Mother in Abia State as NFF President Gusau, Iheanacho and Awaziem Pay Their Respects

Mrs. Serah Chinyere Chukwueze, mother of Super Eagles and AC Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze, was buried on Friday, May 29, in Abia State, southeastern Nigeria, in a ceremony attended by football officials, government representatives, business figures, and social media personalities.

Chukwueze’s mother passed away on January 29 following a short illness. At the time of her death, the winger was based in England with Fulham, the club to which he was on loan from AC Milan for the 2024–25 season, and was unable to return to Nigeria for the immediate funeral rites. In line with customary practices in southeastern Nigeria — where the burial of a matriarch typically requires considerable planning and is regarded as a significant communal event — the interment was deferred until the conclusion of the football season.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau travelled to Abia State to personally offer his condolences to the bereaved family. Among the Super Eagles players who attended to stand beside their teammate were defender Chidozie Awaziem and striker Kelechi Iheanacho, both of whom provided emotional support throughout the service.

Chukwueze appeared in traditional white attire during the ceremony and was visibly moved to tears in the moments before his mother was interred. Despite the grief of the occasion, the forward was later photographed in more composed spirits at the reception that followed, smiling as he received guests who had come to pay their respects.

Mrs. Chukwueze had been widely recognised as a central pillar of support in her son’s life. The winger had frequently shared images of her on his personal social media accounts over the years, offering a public window into their close relationship.

Chukwueze, 26, joined AC Milan from Villarreal in the summer of 2023 in a deal reported to be worth around €35 million. His debut season at the San Siro proved difficult, and the club sanctioned a temporary move to Fulham for the 2024–25 campaign. According to reports, Fulham did not exercise a permanent transfer option at the end of his loan spell, leaving his future at club level unresolved heading into the summer transfer window.

On the international front, Chukwueze remains part of Nigeria’s Super Eagles setup as the team prepares for upcoming fixtures. Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed that strikers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will be absent for the Eagles’ forthcoming friendly matches against Poland and Portugal, increasing the importance of wide attackers such as Chukwueze in the squad’s attacking plans.

The show of solidarity from teammates and federation officials underlines the strong sense of community within the Nigerian football fraternity, particularly in moments of personal loss for its players.