History of samuel okwaraji biography
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34 years after, fans eulogise fallen hero Okwaraji
Today makes it 34 years since the flamboyant Germany-based Super Eagles midfielder, Samuel Okwaraji, collapsed on the pitch and died while playing for Nigeria in a 1990 World Cup qualifier in Lagos, but some fans have yet to get over the loss, The PUNCH reports.
The highly skilful footballer slumped in the 77th minute during the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifier game against Angola on August 12, 1989 at the National Stadium, Lagos and was rushed to hospital where he finally passed on.
About five fans died the same day at the overcrowded 40,000-capacity stadium, as the Eagles won the 1990 World Cup qualifier 1-0 under chaotic conditions.
On a day that makes it 34 years after his sudden death, fans in a chat with The PUNCH said Okwaraji’s memory would forever remain with those who watched him play.
Ganiu Yusuf said, “I was privileged to watch Okwaraji play the very day he died and I can say I can never forget that mome
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Samuel Okwaraji
Nigerian footballer
Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji(19 May 1964 – 12 August 1989) was a professional footballer who played internationally for Nigeria. He was also a qualified lawyer who had a masters in international lag from the Pontifical Lateran University of Rome.[1] He collapsed and died of congestive heart failure in the 77th minute of a World Cup qualification match against Angola at the Lagos National etapp in Surulere, Lagos State on 12 August 1989.
Career
[edit]Sam Okwaraji left Nigeria in 1982 to study international lag in Italy (Rome). It is there that the Italian first division side, AS Roma (1984–1985), signed him at the age of 20. As an unknown player, it was difficult to force a breakthrough at the mighty Rome, so he moved to Dinamo Zagreb (1985–1986) in Yugoslavia and then on to Klagenfurt (1986–1987) in Austria. At both clubs, he struggled to get sufficient game time to further his development, but the talent was always undeniable
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Today makes it 30 years since Nigeria lost a rare gem, former Super Eagles midfielder, Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji died while playing for Nigeria inside the main-bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos State, during a 1990 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Angola.
It was the saddest in the history of Nigerian football considering the fact that the midfielder maestro died when in the line of duty for Nigeria.
Words can’t express his committment and dedication to national call as Sam Okwaraji would delightfully don the green and white jersey with smile beaming in his face.
30 years has gone by, yet football lovers in Nigeria and around the world still remember Okwaraji.
For those that know him a bit and those that don’t know him, here are 10 things you should to know about Samuel Okwaraji.
1. Samuel Okwaraji was born on the 19th of May, 1964 in Umudioka Orlu, Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, Southeastern Nigeria.
2. His father, Mr. David Okwaraji worked with the