Nigeria not worth dying for, says Sam Okwaraji’s family

Pat Okwaraji, brother of the late Sam Okwaraji, an ex-Super Eagles attacker, said the Nigerian government had not proven that the country was worth dying for by its heroes.

Okwaraji made the assertion in an interview with NAN at the Sam Okwaraji Stadium, Orlu in Imo at the opening of Sam Okwaraji Memorial Football Competition.

The competition is organised by Okey Eze, an APGA governorship aspirant in the 2015 general election in Imo.

Okwaraji said Nigerian heroes who died for the nation, including his brother were not properly honoured by the government.

Sam Okwaraji slumped and died in 1989 during a World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos.

But the family of the late player decided to break the silence after 26 years the incident happened.

“We did not expect the Nigerian government to give Okwaraji’s family gold and silver,” he said.

“What we expected from the country is to immortalise our son who died for the nation.”

He added that his brother who was pursuing his doctorate in law as at the time he died was forgotten after his death.

“Nigeria should learn how to inspire young talents by celebrating them,” he said.

“When heroes are celebrated and immortalised, it will go a long way to inspire young talents.”

However, he commended the sponsor of the competition, adding that it was a big honour to the entire family.

“We are happy that our son is being honoured and remembered through this competition; I want to encourage athletes to see it as an opportunity to excel in their career,” he said.