Uche Okechukwu is a former Super Eagles central defender who instills fear in the minds of attackers, given his towering and imposing frame. Okechukwu played during the finest era of the Super Eagles (arguably) between 1990 and 1998 and led the team to significant titles during his stint as captain.
He was fondly called “Gentle Giant.” What an Oxymoron! Okechkwu was quite attractive as a young defender, but was a tough tackler on the ball as he gave attackers nightmares. He had quite an intimidating frame, which he used to bully strikers and win aerial duels without breaking a sweat.
Uche Okechukwu formed great partnerships with the late Stephen Keshi and late Uche Okafor in defense as the Super Eagles won their second Africa Cup of Nations title in Tunisia. Nigeria defeated Zambia 2-1 courtesy of Emmanuel Amuneke’s brace.
The defender expressed his shock a the death of Uche Okafor in an interview with Vanguard News in 2011.
“My brother, I find it difficult to believe that Uche is dead. Moreso, the circumstance of his death, suicide, makes it more confusing. I find it extremely difficult to come to terms that Uche is dead or to think that Uche can take his own life. It’s difficult but only God knows the truth”.
Do you believe that Uche Okafor was capable of killing of killing himself? It’s insane to think about it. He was a nice man who feared God. One cannot outrightly say he killed himself or not. Like every other young man, he had reasons to live life to the fullest. It is only God who knows what we don’t know.
The better part of me is gone. He’s like a brother. In the team, we were like one family and he was so close to me. He was gentle and not loud, dedicated, disciplined and demonstrated his love for the game. To think that he is dead or killed himself is cruel.
Okechukwu played a huge role in defense alongside Taribo West at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics as Nigeria won Africa’s first-ever football gold medal.
The defender also enjoyed a decent career in Europe, specifically in Turkey, where he spent most of his career before returning to feature for Ocean Boys in the Nigeria Premier Football League in 2007/2008.
This post unravels Uche Okechukwu’s background, career, achievements, and net worth, among other vital information about the legendary defender.
Uche Okechukwu Background
The former Super Eagles defender hails from the southeast region of Nigeria but was born in the country’s most populous city. Uchechukwu Alozie Okechukwu was born in Lagos on 27 September 1967. Uchechukwu is an Igbo name which means “God’s will”. Uche Okechukwu, just like his former teammate Jay Jay Okocha, also holds a Turkish passport under the name Deniz Uygar after about 13 years in the country.
Height and Age
Uche Okechukwu is currently 57 years old and stands at 6 feet and 2 inches tall. During his active days, it was hard for attackers to go past him in one-on-one situations, given how athletic and composed he is. He was fearless in making tackles and helped in making recoveries and winning aerial duels easily.
Career: Iwuanyawu and Brøndby IF
Uche Okechukwu started his football career at Flash Flamingos (now known as Bendel United Football Club) in 1987 before moving to Iwuanyanwu Nationale (Heartland Football Club) a year later. He played for the former Nigeria Premier Football League Champions for two years and won two titles.
After winning two consecutive League titles with Iwuanyawu Nationale, Uche Okechuwu moved to Danish side Brøndby IF alongside his national team buddy Friday Elahor. The duo made it to the starting XI and helped the team win the Danish Championship in 1990 and 1991 under coach Morten Olsen. Okechukwu was a key member of the squad and helped Brøndby IF reach the semi-finals of the 1990-1991 UEFA Cup semi-finals where they lost 2-1 on aggregate to Roma. Uche Okechukwu was named 1992’s Brøndby IF Player of the Year – a year after Friday Elahor left for African Sports in Côte d’Ivoire.
Fenerbache and Istanbulspor
Uche Okechukwu moved to Fenerbache in the Turkish Super League after winning a bronze medal with the Super Eagles at the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal. Fenerbache signed Okechukwu for DKK8 million in November 1993 after being linked to the club for six months. He formed a solid defensive partnership with former Brøndby teammate Jes Høgh, and the duo helped Fenerbache win its first League title in seven years in 1996. Okechukwu stayed with Fenerbache for the next four seasons and won the Turkish Super League title again in 2001.
Okechukwu went on to join Istanbulspor in 2002 after 250 official matches for Fenerbache. He stayed at the club for four years before he moved back to Nigeria. Uche Okechukwu joined Ocean Boys and Bayelsa United before he retired from professional football in 2008.
Super Eagles, Atlanta 1996, and AFCON
Uche Okechukwu had a successful stint with the Super Eagles as he represented the three-time African Champions at the Africa Cup of Nations -1990, 1992, and 1994. He was also a member of the “Dream Team” – the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games football team gold medal team and two FIFA World Cups – 1994 and 1998.
Okechukwu made his debut with the Super Eagles at the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria as the host beat Nigeria twice – in the first game, 5-1, and in the final, 1-0, to win the tournament. However, he was solid in defense alongside Keshi and Okafor in defense as Nigeria won the 1994 Nations Cup in Tunisia.
Uche Okechukwu and Taribo West played remarkable defense as Nigeria won the football gold medal at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.
He also represented Nigeria at the 1994 USA and 1998 France FIFA World Cups before he retired from the national team.
Career Achievements
Iwuanyanwu Nationale
- Nigeria Premier League: 1987–88, 1988–89
Brøndby
- Danish Superliga: 1990, 1991
Fenerbahçe
- 1.Lig: 1995–96, 2000–01
Nigeria
- Africa Cup of Nations: 1994
- Summer Olympic Games: 1996
Individual
- Brøndby Player of the Year: 1992
Uche Okechukwu net worth
What is Uche Okechukwu’s net worth? It seems the former Super Eagles defender is not the flamboyant type who flaunts his wealth on social media or in public spaces. Uche Okechukwu is a private citizen and rarely makes public appearances except on a few occasions based on an invitation or charity. However, Uche Okechukwu would have made a decent amount of money and invested in some ventures after 13 years in Turkey.
Is Uche Okechukwu married?
There is no record of whether the former Super Eagles captain is married or has kids. However, given his age, it is believed that he is most likely married or has kids.
Where is Uche Okechukwu now?
Uche Okechukwu is now involved in farming and hunting. Eyinnaya Apollos, a Facebook user, shared pictures of himself and the former Super Eagles captain in a post in 2018.
