Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, a dependable midfielder and one of Nigeria’s best legs, died at age 25 exactly 30 years ago on the field, playing patriotically for his dear country.
He collapsed and died of congestive heart failure in the 77th minute of a World Cup qualification match against Angola at the Lagos National Stadium, Surulere, on 12 August 1989.
Born on May 19, 1964, Okwaraji who hailed from Orlu, Imo State was a professional footballer, a qualified lawyer who had a masters in international law from the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome.
Between 1988 and 89, he appeared 8 times for the Nigeria national team with a fantastic goal to his credit.
He played in leading international clubs across countries in Europe like Dinamo Zagreb, VfB Stuttgart among others.
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