Nigeria football world paid tribute to Sam Okwaraji who died while on international duty for the country on August 12, 1989.
Okwaraji slumped and died while playing for the Super Eagles against Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos in FIFA World Cup qualifier that ended 1-0 in favour of Nigeria.
Even though it is 27 years since Samuel Okwaraji, a Nigerian midfielder passed on, it has been difficult for most Nigerians, especially the teammates to forget the player.
Okwaraji slumped and died on August 12, 1989 at the National Stadium, Lagos during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying duel with Angola.
The Nigeria Football Federation led the football world to pay tribute to the football martyr who displayed commitment and doggedness till his last breath for the country.
Even in death, we still love you and we will never forget your contributions to Nigerian football.
Some of the tweets, “28 years after dying on national duty,#WeRememberOkwaraji. pic.twitter.com/i665YP8fAb — Nigeria Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) August 12, 2017.
“ON THIS DAY in 1989- A true patriot of Nigeria passed on. Keep resting Sam Sochukwuma Okwaraji. 19 May 1964-12 Aug.1989 #TruePatriotOkwaraji pic.twitter.com/rYg7VOEHJB — The NFF ???? (@thenff) August 12, 2017
“We can’t easily forget your national sacrifice. You are remembered today as always. Rest in peace, #SamOkwaraji. — Shooting Stars SC (@Official3SC) August 12, 2017.
“Today In History SAM OKWARAJI slumps and died playing for Nigeria Vs Angola at the national Stadium in FIFA World Cup qualifier. — kayode tijani (@kayodetijani200) August 12, 2017.
@Toyin_Ibitoye @thenff @IkennaOkey @mitchokonta Our tribute to Sam Okwaraji. There will never be another like naijafutbol_11 (@Naijafutbol11) August 12, 2017
“Okwaraji Memorial: Esin Remembers ‘Selfless Super Eagle’, Says Family Deserves Better Treatment.
Former Super Eagles midfielder, Etim Esin, is still disconsolate 29 years after the demise of his international teammate and friend, Samuel Okwaraji, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.
Okwaraji born 19 May 1964, slumped and died of a suspected heart failure in the 77th minute of Nigeria’s 1990 World Cup qualifier against Angola at the National Stadium in Lagos on 12 August 1989.
Nigeria won 1-0, but ultimately failed to qualify for the World Cup hosted by Italy the following year.
