By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka in Abuja
Senator Osita Izunaso has described late Nigerian football legend, Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, as the embodiment of unmatched patriotism, praising his passion, sacrifice and commitment to the country.
The Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District made the remarks in an interview with Voice of Nigeria on Tuesday as Nigeria marks the 37th anniversary of Okwaraji’s death.
According to Izunaso, Okwaraji was a rare breed who represented Nigeria purely out of love for his country, rather than for personal or financial gain.
“He 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,” the Senator said.
Izunaso noted that Okwaraji’s legacy extended beyond football. He described the midfielder as an accomplished scholar who earned a Master’s degree in International Law while pursuing a professional football career and was also undertaking a PhD.
“Sam Okwaraji when he was alive was an all rounder, apart from being a highly skillful footballer, he was also a man that loved education. He was a lawyer and was also doing his PhD, while playing for the country,” Izunaso stated.
“The fact that somebody is playing football or doing sport does not mean that you should not go to school. He had his masters and was doing his PhD, he was also a philanthropist,” he added.
The Senator urged young Nigerians to draw inspiration from Okwaraji’s discipline, courage and sense of national pride, stressing the need for the younger generation to channel their energy into nation-building, including sports.
To preserve his memory, Izunaso is serving as Chairman of the Steering Committee for the FirstBank-Sam Okwaraji Nigeria Under-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, the National Sports Commission and the Nigerian School Sports Federation.
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.
