Do you remember the former Super Eagles midfielder Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, who tragically died while playing for Nigeria inside the main bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, during a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola?
It remains one of the saddest days in the history of Nigerian football, especially as the midfield maestro passed away while answering the national call of duty.
Words can hardly capture his commitment and dedication to Nigeria. Sam Okwaraji wore the green and white jersey with pride, always smiling as he stepped onto the pitch.
Thirty years have passed, yet football lovers in Nigeria and around the world continue to remember Okwaraji with deep admiration.
For those who knew him — and for those who didn’t — here are 10 things you should know about Samuel Okwaraji:
Early Life
Samuel Okwaraji was born on May 19, 1964, in Umudioka Orlu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, southeastern Nigeria.
Family Background
His father, Mr David Okwaraji, worked with the defunct Nigeria Airways as a duty officer, while his mother, Lady Janet Okwaraji, was a retired school headmistress. Samuel had four brothers and two sisters.
Childhood
According to his mother, Sam had a very active childhood. He enjoyed several sports growing up, especially football and table tennis — though football eventually became his passion.
Education
He attended WTC Practising School in Enugu for his primary education, then went on to Ezeachi Secondary School and the Federal Government College, both in Orlu, Imo State. He later obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in International Law.
Linguistic Skills
Samuel was multilingual. He spoke English, German, Italian, Spanish, and his native Igbo fluently.
Football Career
A talented midfielder who wore the number 6 jersey for Nigeria, Okwaraji had an impressive, though short, football career.
At the 1988 African Nations Cup in Morocco, he scored one of the fastest goals in the tournament’s history against Cameroon — within 60 seconds — and was twice named the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Club vs Country
Before his final match for Nigeria, the Nigerian Football Association (NFA) requested his release from his German club, SSV Ulm 1846.
The club initially demanded $45,000 in gate fees, but the late Group Captain John Obakpolor negotiated it down to $15,000 so Okwaraji could represent Nigeria.
Tragic Death
On August 12, 1989, during a second-round World Cup qualifier against Angola, Okwaraji collapsed on the pitch and died instantly — in the 77th minute — in front of 20,000 fans. The Green Eagles were thrown into disarray, and all efforts to revive him proved futile.
Cause of Death
Okwaraji was just 25 years old. An autopsy revealed he died from congestive heart failure caused by high blood pressure. His heart was found to be enlarged — a medical red flag. Truly, Sam Okwaraji played his heart out for Nigeria.
Legacy
On August 12, 2009, then-Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State unveiled a concrete bust of Samuel Okwaraji at the Rededicated Memorial Garden in front of the same stadium where he died — a fitting tribute to a fallen hero.
May he keep on resting in peace. God grant us patriotic leaders like Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji who died on duty as he played for the country instead of his profession as a lawyer but devout his time for Nigerian team not a pocketer.
I overheared the story when i was 10 but till today i weeps each time i regorjutates it my heart beats for him..
L0ve u much br0