NFF Marks 30th Anniversary Of Samuel Okwaraji’s Death

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) today remembered fallen football star, late Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji and eulogised him on a day marking the 30th anniversary of his death while on national duty.

In a tweet with hashtag #WeRememberSam” on its official handle NFF said, “It’s been 30 years since this real and true Nigerian Patriot passed on while on duty for the country. Keep resting in peace, Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji. #WeRememberSam.”

The group in the tweet also shared an emotion-laden one minute video to pay tribute to Okwaraji.

NFF President, Amaju Pinnick in a quote in the video said, “We still feel and respect the labours of our heroes past, and we want to say today, being the 30th year that Late Okwaraji passed on while playing.

“We still feel the sacrifice and patriotism that he showed, playing for this great country. And we have learnt great lessons from that patriot, even as we continue to use his attitude to guide young talents.”

Apart from being a professional footballer who played for Nigeria, Okwaraji was also a qualified lawyer who had a Masters Degree in International Law from the Pontifical Lateran University of Rome, Italy.

He died on August 12, 1989, during the Italia ’90 World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Angola at the National Stadium, Surulele, Lagos. But his death was announced the next day to the disappointment of millions of football fans in Nigeria and across the world.