Samuel Okwaraji: 27 Years On

       


Friday, August 12, 2016 marked the 27th year anniversary of the death of a football martyr and an unsung hero, Samuel Sochukwu Okwaraji. On August 12, 1989, Nigeria and indeed the world of football was thrown into a sorrowful mood when Sam Okwaraji collapsed and died in the 77th minute of a world cup qualifier match against Angola at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

Samuel Okwaraji aged 25 was born on 19th May, 1964 in Orlu, Imo State. The late Nigerian midfielder was a trained lawyer who had a masters degree in law from the University of Rome.

Sam Okwaraji started his footballing career in Europe in 1984 in As Roma. His career in Europe also included playing for Dinamo Zagreb (1985-1986), Austria Klagenfort (1986-1987), and Vfb Stuggart (1987-1989). While at VfB Stuggart, Sam was loaned to SSV Ulm between 1987-1988. In 1988, Sam Okwaraji was part of the Green Eagles team to the African Nations cup in Morocco. Sam Okwaraji made history at the tournament by scoring one of the fastest goal of the championship against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, he was man of the match twice.

Sam was a patriot per excellence. According to Vanguard newspaper, 'At one occasion, when he had the chance to play for his fatherland but his club would not agree. His club manager was said to have asked the Nigerian Football Authorities to pay an estimated cost of $45, 000 for their star player’s match bonus and an expected loss in the club’s gate taking for the period in which he would be on national duty. Hearing about this agreement, this patriot hit back at his club saying: “I signed to play football for you on certain conditions, but I don’t think it includes reselling my services to my country. You cannot stop me playing for my country and let me tell you, I am going to represent my country in the World Cup in Italy whether you like it or not and I would very much like for you to be there.” No doubt, Okwaraji paid his way to play for Nigeria without asking for a dime. He would come to camp uninvited and beg the coach to throw the jerseys on the floor for players to fight for. It was this move that heralded the era of throwing the camp open. He was not afraid to put his career on the line for his country. He put his life on the line too.‎'

Rest well great man, even though your country refuses to honour you, the bright legacies you left behind continue to remind us that great men do not die.