‘His patriotism was unwavering’ — Dare honours Okwaraji 33 years after death

Sunday Dare, minister of youth and sports development, has charged sportsmen and women to emulate Samuel Okwaraji, the late football icon.

Okwaraji died shortly after the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos on August 12, 1989.

He had slumped on the pitch during the game but was pronounced dead at the hospital. He was aged 25.

During his football years, Okwaraji enjoyed success as he had a stint with European football clubs including AS Roma, Austria Klagenfurt, NK Dinamo Zagreb, and VfB Stuttgart.

In a statement on Friday, Dare lauded the heroics of the footballer on his 33rd death anniversary.

The minister said Okwaraji’s commitment to serving Nigeria was “unwavering”, adding that he would always be remembered for his “zeal and patriotism”.

“Okwaraji’s commitment to Nigeria and sacrifice anytime he was on the pitch in our green and white is a lesson on patriotism,” he said.

“We will always remember him for his zeal and service to Nigeria and especially the way he died while defending our national colours.

“This is a challenge to every one of us, administrators and active sportsmen and women to always put this nation first in all we do.”

The federal government had earlier placed Janet Okwaraji, the footballer’s mother, on a monthly stipend to appreciate his heroics.

Janet, however, passed away in 2020.