Justice Christopher dead at 40: Tributes paid to Nigerian World Cup star who faced England in 2002 tournament
FORMER Nigerian World Cup star Justice Christopher has died suddenly aged just 40.
The midfielder appeared for the Super Eagles against England in the 2002 tournament.
He passed away on Wednesday morning at a hotel he owned in his hometown of Jos, central Nigeria.
The Nigerian Football Federation 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."
Reports in his homeland claimed Christopher had battled high blood pressure – but showed no sign of illness with pals on Tuesday.
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.
"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 England 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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