Samuel Okwaraji – A true Nigerian icon

Samuel Okwaraji – A true Nigerian icon

Babajide Orevba
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:47 PM

- Sam Okwaraji slumped and later died of congestive heart failure during an active service for the nation

- Okwaraji was a shining example for the muddle cuddled, materialistic and egotistic modern day footballers

- The icon’s patriotism went beyond simply representing his country

- Lack of Federal government recognition is simply disgraceful

Okwaraji was a true national hero who lost his life during an active service for the nation, slumping and later suffering untimely death from congestive heart failure in the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Angola at the national stadium, Surulere, Lagos with 13 minutes left to play on 12 August, 1989.

The autopsy report revealed that he had an enlarged heart and high blood pressure, reminiscent of Marc Vivien Foe’s demise in similar circumstances in 2003.

For this especially, along with other patriotic acts, the trendsetting law graduate and enigmatic midfielder was a worthy legend in every sense. The example he gave paying for this own flights to Nigeria for Super Eagles matches without asking the then Nigeria Football Association for refunds are lost on the modern day muddle cuddled, materialistic and egotistic players.

Short but vibrant history

Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji was born on 19 May, 1964 in Owerre-Umudiaka, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo state, South Eastern Nigeria.

He became the most educated Nigerian footballer with his qualification as a lawyer with a masters degree in international law from the University of Rome.

Acquisition of masters degree was challenging enough, talk less of combining it with football. It certainly was no mean feat – a rare endeavour in the history of the round leather game. He played for NK Dinamo Zagreb, VfB Stuttgart and SSV-ULM1846.

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Samuel Okwaraji – A true Nigerian icon

Source: Unknown

The national role model made his international debut in 1988, and later selected in the team that represented the nation in the African Nations Cup, where he scored one of the fastest goals in the history of the Championship against Cameroon. The solitary but memorable goal he scored for his beloved country he was only able to feature for eight times.

His patriotism went beyond just simply representing his country. Demonstrated by an occasion where he defended the right of his beloved nation not to pay for his services when Nigeria was asked to pay gating fee of $45.000 by his club SSV-ULM1846.

He reportedly stormed into his manager’s office saying “I am a lawyer and you know. I signed to play football for certain conditions but I don’t think it included reselling my services to my country. You or your club cannot stop me from playing for my country whether you like it or not.”

Federal government neglect/remembrance

It has become a national blemish for our heroes to be forgotten, and only remembered on death anniversaries. It beggars belief that Sam Okwaraji’s patriotism and the fact that he lost his life whilst on national duty failed to be recognised by the federal government is not only quite simply disgraceful but also laughable.

The least the federal government could have done, in fact the NFF too, would have been to ensure that all players are adequately insured against any such occurrences or any medical emergencies when players are representing their countries. This is yet to be realised.

Former Lagos state Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola once said “Literally, Sam was ready to die for his country and i believe that before he died, and the circumstances leading to his death.” at the unveiling of a concrete bust in front of the national stadium where he died, on the 20th anniversary in his honour.

Others have wax lyrical, including musicians like Oliver de Cogue and General Kollington Ayinla who composed songs in honour of his patriotism.

Sam Okwaraji, you may not have been accorded a befitting remeI mbrance by the government of the country you served so patriotically, your devotion and sacrifice sure linger on in the heart and mind of the citizens of Nigerian.

Authors
Babajide Orevba photo
Babajide Orevba
Babajide Orevba is a CAF accredited Nigerian journalist and HOD of the Local Desk with over 10 years of experience in media landscape.He studied NCE Political Science/Social Studies, AOCOED.
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