Yesterday, 26-years ago, Nigeria lost a rare gem to the cold hands of death. Former Super Eagles mercurial midfielder, Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji died while playing for Nigeria inside the main-bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos State, during a 1990 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Angola. As painful as it was, but in the words of famous English poet, playwright and actor, William Shakespeare, “A man can die but once; we owe God a death.
According to an autopsy report of August 12th, 1989, the 25-year-old died from a congestive heart failure (similar to that of late Cameroonian footballer Marc-Vivien Foé, who also died 14 years later). Despite all the sacrifices he made, it is quite unfortunate the Nigerian government is yet to immortalize fully the late soccer icon.
Talking about his early life, Sam was born on the 19th of May, 1964 in Owerre-Umudioka in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo-State, South Eastern Nigeria. He had a successful career in Europe which included playing for NK Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia), VfB Stuttgart (Germany) and Austria Klagenfurt (Austria), among others. He was also a qualified lawyer who had a master’s degree in international law from the University of Rome.
This man should be immortalized...the ederal government or NFF should ensure that such selfless players who died in the course of serving the country be honoured. I listened to a heartbroken tale from his mum yesterday on the radio talking about the way they were abandoned by the government and that if any of her relations, sons decided to play football for Nigeria , she will disagree. Why is this....because we do not treasure our own and show to the world the sacrifices done by this players. This is a wake up call to the authorities.....immortalize this man ...lets give honour to those who deserve it!
Rest in peace bro.
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