REMEMBERING SAMUEL OKWARAJI...27 YEARS AFTER.

Today, 27-years ago, Nigeria lost a rare gem to the cold hands of death. Former Super Eagles mercurial midfielder, Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji died while playing for Nigeria inside the main-bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos State, during the 1990 FIFA World Cup Qualifier between the Green Eagles and Angolan.Samuel Okwaraji, a doctorate degree student of law, slumped on the 77^thminutes with 13 minutes left to play and was

confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.

We at the accolades however highlight some amazing things to remember about the mercurial midfield maestro.

** He was a qualified lawyer Okwaraji who was born on May 19, 1964, in Orlu, Imo State. Apart from his football exploits, he was a qualified lawyer who had a Masters in international law from the University of Rome‎. He was also reportedly pursuing a doctorate degree before his untimely death.

**Okwaraji’s football career in Europe started in 1984-1985, in AS Roma. After which he had a career playing for NK Dinamo Zagreb (1985-1986) ‎, ‎ Austria Klagenfurt (1986-1987), VfB Stuttgart‎ (1987-1989), SSV Ulm (loan) (1987-1988).

**Okwaraji earned a place in Nigeria’s first Olympic team in 1988. Debuting on January 30, 1988 in a match against Algeria, at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, Enugu, Okwaraji with amazing skills ‎played himself into the consciousness of Nigerians.

**‎Okwaraji, who made the Green Eagles squad in 1988 at the African Nations Cup in Morocco, scored one of the fastest goals in the history of African football against Nigeria’s perennial rivals, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. Shining like a million stars in that tournament, Okwaraji was named man of the match twice.

** According to an autopsy report of August 12th, 1989, the 25-year-old died from a congestive heart failure (similar to that of late Cameroonian footballer Marc-Vivien Foé, who also died 14 years later). Despite all the sacrifices he made, it is quite unfortunate the Nigerian government is yet to immortalize fully the late soccer icon. Twenty six years after his death, the NFF led by its President, Amaju Pinnick called the widow of the deceased, Jane who is based in Owerri to show appreciation for the wonderful memories her husband gave. In addition, Okwaraji’s portrait was displayed at the eight venues of the 2015 Federation Cup quarter –finals on Wednesday August 12; Enugu, Benin City, Neros Stadium, Oleh, Lokoja, Abuja, Ilorin and Makurdi are the venues.

**Okwaraji’s was indeed seen as a patriot. 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.‎

**In 2011, Okwaraji was immortalised with the burst erected at the National Stadium in Lagos. In 2009, a memorial game was played in his name when former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, celebrated him with former internationals at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

**Samuel Okwaraji played eight times for the Super Eagles scoring one goal.