34 years later, fans are praising fallen hero Okwaraji

Today marks 34 years since flamboyant Germany-based Super Eagles midfielder Samuel Okwaraji collapsed on the pitch and died while playing for Nigeria in a game qualifying for the 1990 World Cup in Lagos, but some fans have yet to get over the loss. , PUNCH reports.

The highly skilled footballer collapsed in the 77th minute during the Super Eagles World Cup qualifier against Angola on August 12, 1989 at the Lagos National Stadium and was rushed to the hospital where he finally died.

About five fans died on the same day in the overcrowded 40,000-seater stadium as the Eagles won the 1990 World Cup qualifiers 1-0 in chaotic conditions.

On a day that marks 34 years after his sudden death, fans in a chat with The PUNCH said Okwaraji's memory will forever remain with those who saw him perform.

Ganiu Yusuf said, "I had the privilege of watching Okwaraji perform the very day he died and I can say that I will never be able to forget that moment. It was a scary moment and I was somewhere near the pitch when I saw him fall.

"But truth be told, we never thought that was the end of him. Very skilled and possibly the best of his time.

"He will never be forgotten by those who saw him play back then and perhaps not by that generation that didn't watch him."

Adekunle Tope added, "I was very young when he passed away, but I still remember the incident. He was a great player in every way and he will be forever missed."< /p>

For Akintoroye Francis, he has the privilege of having seen live one of the greatest Nigerian footballers.

"I am happy to have seen one of the best players this country has produced, even if his career was cut short.

"He was 25 when he died but in a short time you could see his talent and quality. Many of us thought the future was bright, but unfortunately the incident happened, but we can't do anything but enjoy the little moment we saw of him.

"It will forever be celebrated and I'm glad some media houses still find it worthy of celebration every year."

A Nigerian man in his 50s, Taiwo Stephen, told The PUNCH that they continued to pray for the deceased footballer, until they learned that he had passed away.

“At the time I was much younger and watched most of the Super Eagles games so I was at the stadium that day. Okwaraji was a very good footballer but he played as if he It was a day off. However, it was still amazing to see him play with Etim Esin before this incident happened.

“We were all watching and suddenly he fell and was thrown off the field. I remember we were all praying for him on the way home before we heard of his death the next day,” Stephen said.< /p>

The father of three confessed that the weather was indeed rough that day.

"It was very hot that day and there were too many people in the stadium. I think I even heard that some of the fans had died.

Okwaraji's legacy will never die as long as we continue to tell these stories to our children. He was a brilliant footballer and inspired many of the next generation who won Olympic gold and the Africa Cup of Nations,” Stephen added.

Doctors said Okwaraji died of congestive heart failure. An autopsy revealed that he had an enlarged heart and high blood pressure.

Okwaraji was more than just a football player; he was a symbol of devotion, courage and altruism.

Born on May 19, 1964 in Orlu, Imo State, Okwaraji displayed exceptional talent from an early age. As he grew, his passion for education and football blossomed. His journey took him from his hometown to Europe, where he pursued higher education while simultaneously pursuing his footballing dreams.

Okwaraji held a master's degree in international law from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, demonstrating his intellectual prowess alongside his athletic ability.

What stood out was not just the loss of a talented footballer, but the legacy he left behind. Okwaraji's commitment to his team, his country and his dreams has become an enduring source of inspiration. Reports at the time indicated that he had paid for his plane tickets to represent his country. His sacrifice on the pitch has become a powerful reminder of the importance of pursuing one's passions, regardless of the obstacles.

Over the years, Okwaraji's legacy has continued to thrive. His determination to excel, his commitment to education and his love for football have gone down in history.