Samuel Okwaraji is a famous Football Player, who was born on May 19, 1964 in Nigeria. The NFF wrote: "Today, we remember Samuel Okwaraji, who passed on in 1989. Today in history: Samuel Okwaraji died 24 years ago. Excellent FC Honour Sam Okwaraji With Memorial Match Excellent Football Club of Ughelli honoured former Super Eagles midfield maestro Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, who died 32 years ago, by playing a tribute match Thursday (today) at the Ughelli Township Stadium Ughelli Delta State. Samuel Okwaraji - A true Nigerian icon. Former Super Eagles stars say Christian Eriksen's collapse and revival on Saturday in Copenhagen during Denmark's Euro 2020 clash against Finland brought back memories of late Super Eagles star, Samuel Okwaraji, who slumped and died on August 12, 1989 in Lagos, The PUNCH reports. Okwaraji's death gripped Nigeria and left the football-crazed nation stunned at the loss of a rising star. Okwaraji . 19 May 2019 | 7:47 am Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji was born on this day in 1964. Mr Blankson was a 42-year-old Nigerian contractor who died while saving 13 victims from a capsized boat. Let's find out. Former Super Eagles midfielder, Etim Esin, has said he is saddened that Nigerians have forgotten the sacrifice of late former international, Samuel Okwaraji, in national colours.August 12 marked the 32nd anniversary of the player's demise.The late Okwaraji had slumped and died of congestive heart failure during a World Cup qualifier against Angola at the Mainbowl […] June 8, 2020 1 min read Janet Okwaraji, the mother of the Nigerian football legend Sam Okwaraji, is dead. Okwaraji was born on 19 May 1964 in Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria. According to Astrologers, Samuel Okwaraji's zodiac sign is Taurus. Samuel OKWARAJI. The NFF posted an emotional message on its official Twitter handle in memory of the late energetic and all-round midfield monster. 2 min read. The Green Eagles led the game with a 44th minute goal from its skipper, Stephen Keshi via a massive buildup initiated by Okwaraji in the midfield, all things seemed seamless for Nigeria until Okwaraji slumped and died exactly at the 77th minute of the game. Samuel Okwaraji played for #Nigeria at the 1988 Olympic Games and the 1988 AFCON in Morocco. Okwaraji collapsed 10 minutes from the end of a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola. How Samuel Okwaraji Slumped and died in 1989. Nigeria won the match 1-0 but. She died few weeks ago, according to It's been almost 24 years now since he slumped and died while proudly representing our dear nation. On this day, 12 August 1989, midfielder Samuel Okwaraji died while playing for Nigeria against Angola in a World Cup qualifier. Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 9:00 AM by Slyva Makanju - Sam Okwaraji slumped and later died of congestive heart failure during an active service for the nation - Okwaraji was a shining example for the muddle cuddled, materialistic and egotistic modern day footballers . The death of the matriarch of Okwaraji family was confirmed to newsmen by his eldest son, Patrick Okwaraji, on Monday. With 10 minutes to go, Okwaraji suddenly collapsed on the pitch of the National Stadium in Lagos and died from congestive heart failure. On its verified Twitter handle, the NFF shared a video in memory of the late football player. It has been 25 years since Samuel Okwaraji died while playing for the Eagles at the National Stadium, Lagos. As painful as it was, but in the words of famous English poet, playwright and actor, William . Sadly, this was what happened to Nigerian soccer player Sam Okwaraji. Of course, I was a kid when he died on August 12, 1989 while in active service for his fatherland, Nigeria. "He may have passed away, but his legacy is one of patriotism, love, integrity, hard work, teamwork, and humility. On 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 . Football fans in Ebonyi on Thursday, remembered late Nigerian soccer idol, Samuel Okwaraji, who died on Aug.12, 1989 while playing for the country. 705. . The Imo State-born player made his debut when he featured for Nigeria in . 0. Janet's son, Samuel Okwaraji died of heart failure on the 12th of August 1989 while playing for the Nigerian national football team against Angola. The deceased,a devout Christian and retired school teacher, recently received the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare,who visited her with some gift items from the government. It was 77 minutes into the match. Collapsed ten minutes from the end of a World Cup Qualifier against Angola in Lagos and died from congestive heart failure. The death of Janet Okwaraji was confirmed Monday by her eldest son, Patrick. He was also a qualified lawyer who had a masters in international law from the Pontifical Lateran University of Rome. Okwaraji died on August 12th, 1989 while playing for Nigeria during a World Cup qualification match against Angola at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. A bright student, the. He will always be remembered as a player who died during the course of service for his country. Lady Okwaraji is the mother of late Sam Okwaraji, an ace footballer and a patriotic Nigerian who died while playing for the Green Eagles in a World Cup qualifier against Angola at the National Stadium . When ULM's manager asked the Nigerian Football Association to pay . *DEATH* On 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 Okwaraji slumped on the pitch and died immediately. Post navigation. After making efforts to revive the Nigerian player, he was unable to make and died in the course of receiving medical care. His father, Mr. David Okwaraji worked with the defunct Nigeria Airways as a Duty Officer with the mother, Lady Janet Okwaraji being a retired school headmistress. NAN recalls that Okwaraji, died on Saturday, Aug. 12, 1989. It was 77 minutes into the match. The mother of the late . The remembrance of Samuel Okwaraji will be forever celebrated as long as football is loved and enjoyed in Nigeria. Sam Okwaraji had barely gone one-third of the stretch when, at 25 years old, he answered the painful but inevitable call of death. The Nigeria Football Federation marked the 31st anniversary of the death of Samuel Okwaraji, who died at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on the August 12, 1989, during a match. The family of former Nigeria international player, Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, has formally notified the Nigeria Football Federation of the passing of the matriarch of the family, Mrs Jane Okwaraji, who died on Saturday, 23 rd May 2020.. Patrick Okwaraji, brother to the former player, signed . BEVERLY HILLS, August 13, (THEWILL) - Amaju Pinnick, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, says that he will try to implement the proposal made to retire the Jersey number six in honour of Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, whose 31st anniversary of his death was marked on August 12. . The post How Samuel Okwaraji Slumped and died in 1989 appeared first on PlayPlay.com.ng ! Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji (19 May 1964 - 12 August 1989) was a professional footballer who played internationally for Nigeria. Mr Okwaraji, a 25-year-old footballer, collapsed and died during the 1990 World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos. Sam Okwaraji on this day 30 years ago, slumped on the pitch during a world cup qualifier in Lagos and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Okwaraji collapsed in the 77th minute of the encounter and was later confirmed dead by a doctor. Lagos stadium ambulance failed to start. Okwaraji: Unsung Hero Of Nigerian Football. Former England striker, John Fashanu, has said keeping the death of legendary Samuel Okwaraji mothers' death an initial secret by the family is worrisome. He had collapsed and died in the 77th minute of a World Cup qualification match against Angola at the Lagos National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos State on 12 August 1989. Mike Mbata recalled that he was inside the stadium on the fateful day when some soccer fans also died on the stadium's terraces due to congestion. According to Dare, "The death of Mrs Okwaraji came to me with rude schock coming at a time when we had concluded plans for her monthly allowance. According to Amaraizu, Okwaraji maintained his honor and never compromised in placing the national interest ahead of his own. Today, 26-years ago, Nigeria lost a rare gem to the cold hands of death. If you're a historian, you must have heard various versions of stories about how Nigerian Professional Football Player Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji (Sam Okwaraji) died. August 12, 2020 admin. His legend will live on forever. The 25 . By Imo Trumpeta - August 12, 2019. On this day, 12 August 1989, midfielder Samuel Okwaraji died while playing for Nigeria against Angola in a World Cup qualifier. He died at the main bowl of National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos during a make or mar Italia 1990 World Cup qualifier and tension soaked match between the Green Eagles and Angolan national team. Former Super Eagles mercurial midfielder, Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji died while playing for Nigeria inside the main-bowl of . With 10 minutes to go, Okwaraji suddenly collapsed on the pitch of the National Stadium in Lagos and died from congestive heart failure. Nigeria finished runners-up to a Cameroon side that two years later would find themselves within 10 minutes of the World Cup semi-finals. Today in history: Samuel Okwaraji died 32 years ago Share Tweet Share Email On 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 Okwaraji slumped on the pitch and died immediately. Okwaraji died at the National Stadium, Surulereon the 12th August 1989, during a match. Samuel Okwaraji Biography. Okwaraji died on Saturday, Aug. 12, 1989. Matriarch of Okwaraji family, Jane, died on 23 May. The Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare has paid glowing tributes to the mother of late Super Eagles player Samuel Okwaraji Mrs Janet Okwaraji who passed on at the age of 83. 2. August 12, 1989 was a day football fans in Nigeria would not forget in a hurry when Samuel Okwaraji slumped and died during the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Palancras of Angola at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The midfielder collapsed after a cardiac arrest on the pitch. Samuel Okwaraji; Died in 1990: During the 1990 World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos, Samuel Okwaraji collapsed in the 80th minute of the match. Sam Okwaraji fought tooth and nail to don the green-white-green colours of his fatherland. Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji was an ex-international Nigerian footballer. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) marked the 31st anniversary of the death of Samuel Okwaraji who died at the National Stadium, Surulere on the August 12, 1989, during a match. Lady Okwaraji was the mother of late Samuel Okwaraji, an ace footballer and a patriotic Nigerian who died while playing for the Super Eagles in a 1990 World Cup qualifier. There have been news that Samuel Okwaraji's mother has been down since the shocking death of her son 31 years year ago and she has not yet recover from the shock of losing her son. Sam Okwaraji's untimely death was well reported by the media in the 90s. Also, Mr Yekini, a Nigerian footballer, died at 48. Former Super Eagles mercurial midfielder, Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji died while playing for Nigeria inside the main-bowl of . Upon getting to Europe, it did not take a long time before he started displaying his soccer skills and was soon sported by football scouts and was promptly signed up in 1984 at the age of 20 by Associazione Sportiva Roma (AS Roma) a professional Italian football club in Rome, Italy. The iconography and quotes attributed to Okwaraji after his death are testament to this. On 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 Okwaraji slumped on the pitch and died immediately. The autopsy from the medical team showed that he had an enlarged heart . He died from possible complications of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as an autopsy showed that the then 25-year-old had an enlarged heart and high blood pressure. Patrick Okwaraji, brother to the former player, signed the letter which informed the NFF and the Nigerian Football family of… On the 12th of August, 1989, at the unripe age of 25, Samuel Okwaraji unfortunately met his untimely death right on the football pitch before the eyes of 20,000 spectators. He died at the main bowl of National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos during a make or mar Italia 1990 World Cup qualifier and tension soaked match between the Green Eagles and Angolan national team. 30 Yrs After Sam Okwaraji Death Case of Abandoned Hero. On 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 Okwaraji slumped on the pitch and died immediately. Generations coming will always read about him. Lady Okwaraji was the mother of late Samuel Okwaraji, an ace footballer and a patriotic Nigerian who collapsed and died while playing for the Super Eagles in a 1990 World Cup qualifier against Angola at the National Stadium in Lagos on August 12, 1989. Ebonyi State Celebrate Samuel Okwaraji 30 Years After Ebonyi State football fans on Monday remembered the late Nigerian midfield maestro, Samuel Okwaraji, who died on August 12th 1989 at the National Stadium, Lagos during a World Cup qualifier against Angola. Okwaraji passed out in the 77th minute of the match, and a doctor later confirmed his death. She was 83 years old. The death of the matriarch of Okwaraji family was confirmed to newsmen by his eldest son, Patrick Okwaraji on Monday. NFF mourns. Death was announced later that night. The deceased, a devout Christian and retired school teacher, recently received the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, who visited her with some gift items from the government. However, his life, th ough brief, was an eventful period characterized by rem arkable amazing accomplishments for self, his family and his nation. By Agency Report On Aug 12, 2021. Okwaraji's death gripped Nigeria and left the football-crazed nation stunned at the loss of a rising star. On this episode of Sunday Special, we dived into the life and times of an unsung hero, Samuel Okwaraja, a footballer who represented Nigeria till his last br. Previous post Nigeria records 315 new cases of COVID-19, total now 12,801. Sam Okwaraji would have turned 56 on Tuesday, May 19, - because he was born on May 19, 1964 in Orlu, Imo State, south-eastern Nigeria.While in elementary school, he received a . I am sure I am not the only one missing the footballing genius from Umudioka community. Today, 26-years ago, Nigeria lost a rare gem to the cold hands of death. He revealed. Samuel Okwaraji For the younger generation who never saw the enigmatic midfielder play, it would seem the man is over extolled by the nation but Okwaraji was more than just a Super Eagles player, he was a legend in every right.