Nigerian Senator, Osita Izunaso, has described the late Nigerian football legend, Samuel Okwaraji, as the embodiment of unmatched patriotism, praising his passion, sacrifice and commitment to Nigeria in an interview with Voice of Nigeria.
Izunaso, who represents Imo West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, made the remarks as the country marked 37th anniversary of Okwaraji’s death. He said Okwaraji was a rare breed who represented Nigeria purely out of love for his country.
According to him, the footballer demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment by routinely paying his own travel expenses whenever he was called up to represent the Super Eagles, then known as the Green Eagles.
Izunaso also noted that Okwaraji’s legacy extended beyond football, describing him as an accomplished scholar who earned a Master’s degree in International Law while pursuing a career as a professional footballer.
He said Okwaraji’s life demonstrated that excellence in sports and academic achievement could coexist at the highest level.
“We remember with nostalgia the sudden death of one of our famous footballers and heroes, Sam Okwaraji, who died on the field of play, precisely on August 12, 1989, which is 37 years ago,” he said. “We mourn his death…”
“…But at the same time, we have immortalised his name. That is what we are doing now. Sam Okwaraji when he was alive was an all rounder, apart from being a highly skilful footballer, he was also a man that love education.He was a lawyer and was also doing his Phd.”
“While playing for the country, so you can see that we the fact that somebody is playing football or doing sport does not meant that you should not go to school. He has his masters and doing his Phd, he was also a philanthropist,” the Senator stated.
He urged young Nigerians to draw inspiration from Okwaraji’s discipline, courage, sacrifice and sense of national pride, stressing the need for the younger generation to channel their energy into positive ventures that contribute to nation-building, including sports.
To preserve Okwaraji’s memory and ensure that his sacrifice is not forgotten, Senator Izunaso is serving as Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Sam Okwaraji U-16 Secondary Schools Football Championship, popularly known as the Memoir Cup.
The tournament is being organised by the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC).
“The NFF has approved the Sam Okwaraji Under-16 School Tournament, of which I am the chairman. We are now working in partnership with the Nigerian School Sports Federation, as well as First Bank of Nigeria,” the Senator said.
The competition is aimed at immortalising Okwaraji’s legacy while identifying, nurturing and developing the next generation of grassroots football talents across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji tragically collapsed and died on August 12, 1989, at the age of 25, while representing Nigeria in a crucial 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
His death, attributed to an undetected heart condition, shocked the nation and cemented his place in Nigerian football history as a symbol of selfless service and patriotism.
