Former Super Eagles player, Justice Christopher slumps, dies in Jos

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Former Super Eagles player, Justice Christopher has been confirmed dead.

According to reports, Christopher slumped in his hotel located at Gwolshe, off Tudunwada Ring Road, Jos, Plateau State in the early hours of Wednesday and was rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead by the doctors.

The deceased who died at the age of 40 was allegedly battling high blood pressure but was full of life on Tuesday,  March 8 when he was seen in the company of his friends.

Though the Plateau Police Command is yet to confirm his death, his body has been deposited at the Plateau Specialists Hospital where an autopsy will be conducted before his burial.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said: “We are devastated to hear of the sudden passing away of former Super Eagles midfielder Justice Christopher early on Wednesday morning.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and football community in Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace.”

A source close to the ex-player said he suspected Christopher suffered a heart attack.

The friend told Premium Times: “He had no sign of sickness, and even had his routine training on Tuesday.

Born on 25th December 1983, Justice Christopher started off in sports as a hockey player in Plateau State, and later switched to football and started his career with Delta Stars of Warri, before moving to Elkanemi of Maiduguri.

He was subsequently noticed by Col. Abdulmumini Aminu who took the talented defensive midfielder to his club, Katsina United.

His career blossomed while playing for Katsina United. As a result, he was called to the Under 20 National Team where he later captained the team and showed real leadership.

From the Under 20 Team, he was invited to the Super Eagles where he became one of Nigeria’s most reliable midfielders, accruing 11 caps before lacing his boots for Bendel Insurance of Benin and Sharks of Port Harcourt, after which he jetted out to Europe.

“This is a big shock to me to hear that he slumped and died this morning.”

Christopher had spells with three Nigerian sides before earning a move to Royal Antwerp in 2001.

He spent one season with the Belgium side and earned his place in Festus Onigbinde’s squad for Japan and South Korea as a promising 20-year-old.

Nigeria lost to Argentina and Sweden before earning a 0-0 draw with the Three Lions in their third game but finished bottom of Group F.

Christopher joined Bulgarian side Levski Sofia following the World Cup and then had spells with Trelleborg in Sweden, Russians Alania Vladikavkaz and Danish outfit Herfolge Boldklub before retiring in 2007.

He came back for a brief stint with Nasarawa United in Nigeria in 2012.

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