Former Super Eagles midfielder Justice Christopher has died, family members confirmed on Wednesday.
The ex-international reportedly slumped at a hotel complex he owned in Jos in the early hours of Wednesday and efforts to revive him in hospital failed. He was 40 years old.
Christopher was one of the young players coach Adegboye Onigbinde took to the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, where the holding midfielder played all of Nigeria’s three matches.
Christopher began his career as a teenager with Katsina United in 1999 before leaving for Europe, playing in Belgium, Bulgaria, Sweden and Russia.
He featured for Royal Antwerp in Belgium, Levski Sofia in Bulgaria, Trelleborg in Sweden and Alania Vladikavkaz in Russia among other clubs before having to retire early as a result of injuries.
He tried to resurrect his career by signing for Nasarawa United in 2012, five years after hanging his boots, but the comeback was shortlived.
Christopher, renowned for his combination of skill and steel in the deep midfield role, earned 11 Super Eagles caps between 2001 and 2002.
