Sports Briefs
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NIGERIA Football Federation, NFF, had a remembrance for Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, former Nigerian footballer who died in action while playing for the country, on Wednesday, August 12. Okwaraji’s picture was displayed at all the eight venues of the Federation Cup games played on Wednesday, August 12.
According to the NFF, the portrait of the late Okwaraji was displayed at the eight venues for the quarterfinal matches in the Federation Cup for men and women, in his remembrance. The NFF’s website listed the venues involved as Enugu, Benin City, Neros Stadium, Oleh, Lokoja, Abuja, Ilorin and Makurdi.
Amaju Pinnick, president of the NFF, took time off on the eve of the 26th anniversary of Okwaraji’s death, to eulogise the late footballer and also speak to Jane Okwaraji, his mother. “Mama, there is nothing I can say other than to tell you to continue to take solace in the fact that Sochukwuma was a star for Nigeria, a name that no one has been able to forget no matter how much they tried. He was the quintessential professional and patriot per excellence.
“Please be rest assured that Sochukwuma will continue to be in our hearts and consciousness. He was a rare gem. I assure you that the NFF will continue to keep in touch with you,” Pinnick said in a phone conversation with the mother.
Patrick Okwaraji, brother of the late footballer, commended the NFF president and said his telephone call was uplifting. “We are grateful to the NFF president for his phone call. At least, Mama is feeling better now,” Patrick said.
Pinnick reminiscence on the incident: “It was a horrible day, for someone like me and several other Nigerians who were right inside the National Stadium, Lagos that day. By all accounts, Sam Okwaraji was a consummate professional and was a shining example of patriotic fervour.”
Okwaraji died at the age of 25 while featuring for Nigeria in a 1990 Fifa World Cup qualifying match against Angola at the National Stadium in Lagos on August 12, 1989.
The former Nigerian international collapsed and died 13 minutes before the end of the match against Angola and reports later revealed that Okwaraji died of an enlarged heart and high blood pressure.
— Aug 24, 2015 @ 01:00 GMT
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