It has been 29 years since the passing of Sam Okwaraji; one of Nigeria’s rising stars in the late 80s, and everywhere including on social media tributes are been paid to the memory of the former Nigeria International.
Okwaraji slumped during a 1990 World Cup qualifying match against Angola in Lagos, but was later pronounced dead.
Whilst it is the Nigeria Football Federation leading the procession, comments in the twitter section of the touching tribute by the FA are a blend of thought provoking arguments, hilarious and outrageous claims by football fans.
We remember former Super Eagles midfielder #SamuelOkwaraji who passed on to glory on this day in 1989. He was such a patriot in the truest sense of the word. Keep resting Samuel Somtochukwu Okwaraji ( 19 May 1964 – 12 August 1989) #WeRememberOkwaraji pic.twitter.com/UgQUq7hFIu
— The NFF ???????? (@thenff) August 12, 2018
Some twitter users accused the FA and Nigerian Government of abandoning the Okwarajis since the passing of Sam, who was also a Lawyer.
Other asked that the FA ought to do more by playing a testimonial match or produce a documentary on the life of the late star.
@MrBoniface7 : Not just to remember Samuel Okwaraji… NFF visit his family and show some love. He died while playing for Nigeria!
@AnthonyChikezi2 : Barrister Samuel Okwaraji who died in the football pitch while serving his country has been forgotten entirely. What a wicked nation. The mother is languishing and crying on daily basis and nothing has been done to the stomach and Brest that notured. #NffDoTheNeedful
@darlingtonse7en : We don’t have any documentary about this man and we call him legend , hero what will put kids learn from him no documentary no video nothing to show to …. this is NIGERIA
We don’t have any documentary about this man and we call him legend , hero what will put kids learn from him no documentary no video nothing to show to …. this is NIGERIA
— Darlington Ikechukwu (@darlingtonse7en) August 12, 2018
There were some bizarre comments though, @JoeNwagbara tweeted:
RIP! We heard many shocking stories about ‘Okparaji’ – that he kicked a ball that turned into a lion’s head in a match between Nigeria and India, scored the only goal for us in the battle that ended 99-1 against Nigeria. And he died after scoring the goal.
Small pikin story self.
RIP! We heard many shocking stories about ‘Okparaji’ – that he kicked a ball that turned into a lion’s head in a match between Nigeria and India, scored the only goal for us in the battle that ended 99-1 against Nigeria. And he died after scoring the goal.
Small pikin story self.— Joe Nnaemeka Nwagbara (@JoeNwagbara) August 12, 2018
While, @AbiolaBerry tweeted: His he the one that kick stone against India
.. Pls let us know so our children wouldn’t believe what’s not o☺
His he the one that kick stone against India
.. Pls let us know so our children wouldn’t believe what’s not o☺— Eletu ABberry (@AbiolaBerry) August 12, 2018
