For those who don’t know, the late Justice Longs Christopher was the first football player of Plateau State origin to feature at a senior FIFA World Cup when he represented the Super Eagles at the 2002 edition which was staged in Korea and Japan.
The versatile midfielder went on to feature in all three group matches Sweden, England and Argentina.
He also played at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations and in all three group matches at the World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
Justice who hailed from Abwor Dyis in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State, was born on December 24, 1981, in Jos, and started his sporting career as started his career as an hockey player before switching to football.
Justice began his professional football journey with Katsina United in 1999 and later played for Delta Stars of Warri, Elkanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, Sharks of Port Harcourt and Bendel Insurance before taking his talent outside the country where he played for clubs in Belgium, Bulgaria, Sweden, Russia, and Denmark.
His first move was to Belgium where he joined Royal Antwerp in the 2001–2002 season, and made 14 appearances, scoring one goal.
His career also included stints with Levski Sofia in Bulgaria, Trelleborg in Sweden, Alania Vladikavkaz in Russia, and Herfølge Boldklub in Denmark.
After initially retiring, he made a comeback in 2012, signing with Nasarawa United in Nigeria.
Justice was also the captain of Nigeria’s Under-20 team in 2001 and went on to earn 11 senior caps for the Super Eagles between 2001 and 2002, Justice earned 11 caps for the Nigerian national team.
Tragically, on March 9, 2022, Justice Christopher passed away at the age of 40 when he collapsed at his a hotel He died in his hotel in Hwolshe, off Tudunwada Ring Road, Jos.
Today, we remember a legend of the game who put Plateau State on the world soccer map through his exceptional talent.
Continue to rest in peace Justice Longs Christopher.
