How on earth would i forget the 12th of August, 1989, while he was playing for Nigeria in a 2nd round World Cup Qualifier match (Group C, Italia World Cup) against Angola, Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji slumped on the pitch and died immediately. It was 77 minutes into the match. Right there, in front of 20,000 Nigerians at the Main Bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, the Green Eagles were thrown into disarray while the Palancas Negras of Angola forgot the competition and joined in the futile attempts to revive him. He was 25 while autopsy revealed he died from high blood pressure-induced congestive heart failure (which occurs when the heart is unable to provide sufficient pump action to ensure enough blood goes round the body). A true patriot and a committed footballer who did not only serve Nigeria but was also a qualified lawyer who had a masters in international law from the University of Rome. Its such a pity dat dis country does not herald their living and dead heroes. Samuel Okwaraji R.I.P and you will forever remain in the heart of people like us who appreciate you...
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 07:47:23 +0000