Ex-International and member of Super Eagles 2002 World Cup team, Justice Christopher, is dead.
He was 40.
Christopher reportedly died after he slumped in his hotel in Gwolshe, off Tudunwada Ring Road, Jos, Plateau State, on Wednesday.
The Nation learnt the defensive midfielder died with no sign of sickness or illness.
The country’s football governing body, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed his death.
Christopher played for several clubs including Katsina United, Sharks F.C., Bendel Insurance, Antwerp (Belgium), Levski Sofia (Bulgaria), Trelleborgs FF (Sweden), Alania Vladikavkaz (Russia) and Herfølge Boldklub (Denmark).
Christopher captained the Nigeria U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, to the 2001 Africa Youth Championship in Egypt. The team was coached by the late Stephen Keshi.
He had made his debut for the Super Eagles in the same year during 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and racked up a total of 11 caps for the Super Eagles, which include an Africa Cup of Nations Appearance and a World Cup appearance, all in 2002.
The midfielder announced his retirement after the end of the season 2006–07 season.
He played professional football in Nigeria and abroad before retiring at Nassarawa United.
Confirming his death, NFF tweeted: “We are devastated to hear of the sudden passing away of former @NGSuperEagles 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.”
