Former Super Eagles Star Passes Away Hours Before World Cup Playoff Final vs DR Congo
- A former Super Eagles star has passed away at the age of 83, just hours before Nigeria’s must-win World Cup playoff
- The prolific striker, whose cause of death has not been confirmed, played for his country between 1963 to 1973
- The late player played for some of Nigeria's top-flight football clubs, including NEPA FC of Lagos and Delta Force
Ex-Green Eagles star Lawrence Onweazu Okonji passed away on November 15 at the age of 83.
He died just hours before the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff match between Nigeria and DR Congo.
Source: Getty Images
Who is Lawrence Onweazu Okonji?
Former defunct Sharks FC star, Lawrence Onweazu Okonji, was a prominent member of the Super Eagles, previously known as the Green Eagles.
According to BSN, he featured in high-profile matches for Nigeria against European sides, including Queens Park Rangers and Fortuna Düsseldorf.
The former NEPA FC player represented his country between 1963 and 1973, playing alongside celebrated stars such as Joseph Erico, Peter Anieke, Paul Hamilton, and Sebastian Brodricks.
The cause of his death has not been publicly specified, with many mourning him on social media.
One of Okonji’s standout moments was his final goal at the historic Lagos City Stadium, now the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, in a symbolic farewell match before the facility was closed for renovation in 1973.
The Ebonyi-born footballer also represented Lagos State at the 1973 National Sports Festival.
Lawrence Onweazu Okonji’s transition into coaching
After a successful playing career, Okonji moved into coaching, taking charge of NEPA FC, Guinness FC, Lagos Academicals, and Delta Force.
A graduate of the University of Physical Education in Budapest, he also managed Requins de l’Atlantique FC of the Benin Republic.
Okonji, who worked with the defunct NEPA, retired as a Principal Executive Officer in the Personnel Department in 1989.
The former Green Eagles star was honoured with a Chieftaincy title in his hometown of Ibusa, Delta State, in recognition of his contributions to football and youth development.
Okonji remained a strong supporter of grassroots football and mentored future stars such as Adokiye Amiesimaka, Alloy Agu, and Waidi Akanni, according to Radio Nigeria.
Meanwhile, former Golden Eaglets player Dele Abubakar has described the death of Lawrence Okonji as a monumental loss to the football community.
Speaking in an exclusive comment with Legit.ng, Abubakar said the late player was part of those who inspired him to become a footballer, saying:
"I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Pa Lawrence Okonji because he is one of those who inspired the previous generations.
"His death is more painful because I also lost my mother and buried her a few days ago.
"It is my desire that late Okonji gets the necessary recognition from the Nigeria Football Federation".
Super Legend Peter Rufai passes away
Legit.ng earlier reported that Stationery Stores legend Peter Rufai died following a prolonged illness.
The football community and Nigerians who are huge fans of the goalkeeper were left mourning deeply.
Peter Rufai is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers to have been in the goals for the Super Eagles.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
