26 Years On, NFF Appreciates Okwaraji

President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has hailed the contributions of Samuel Okwaraji, a former Super Eagles midfielder who died while playing for the national team.

Okwaraji’s bust at the National Stadium, Surulere

In a  statement posted on the NFF website on Tuesday to mark the 26th anniversary of the midfielder’s death, Pinnick called Jane, the wife to Okwaraji who is based in Owerri.

He said: “Mama, there is nothing I can say other than to tell you to continue to take solace in the fact that Sochukwuma (Okwaraji) was a star for Nigeria.

“He is a name that no one has been able to forget, no matter how much they tried; he was the quintessential professional and patriot per excellence.

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Please be rest assured that Sochukwuma will continue to be in our hearts and consciousness because he was a rare gem. I assure you that the NFF will continue to keep in touch with you,” the statement quoted Pinnick as saying.

Pinnick also recalled how he experienced the midfielder’s slump at the national stadium in Lagos. He said: “The incident saw one of the brightest midfielders in Nigeria’s football history die of cardiac arrest.

“It was a horrible day for someone like me and several other Nigerians who were right inside the national stadium, Lagos, that day. By all accounts, Sam Okwaraji was a consummate professional and was a shining example of patriotic fervor,” Pinnick added.

NFF general secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, also recalled how he like thousand others at the stadium were saddened by the midfielder’s slump.

He said: “That was a day better –forgotten. We lost one of the most dedicated and committed players to have featured for any of the national teams.”

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Patrick Okwaraji, Samuel’s brother replied Pinnick’s phone call saying: “We are grateful to the NFF president for his phone call. At least, Mama is feeling better now.”

Okwaraji’s potrait would be displayed at the eight venues of the 2015 Federation Cup quarter –finals on Wednesday;  Enugu, Benin City, Neros Stadium, Oleh, Lokoja, Abuja, Ilorin and Makurdi are the venues.

Okwaraji, a doctorate degree student of law, on August 12, 1989 slumped with 13 minutes left to the end of the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Angola at the national stadium, Surulere.

He was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.

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