Siasia, Nwosu, Others Pay Tributes to Samuel Okwaraji 33 Years After His Death

Siasia, Nwosu, Others Pay Tributes to Samuel Okwaraji 33 Years After His Death

Ibitoye Shittu
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:09 PM
  • Samuel Okwaraji was a former Super Eagles star who played eight games for the national team netting one goal
  • Okwaraji collapsed and died of congestive heart failure in the 77th minute of a World Cup qualification match against Angola
  • And 33 years after his demise, the likes of Henry Nwosu, Samson Siasia and Ademola Adesina have paid tribute

33 years after the death of former Nigerian international Samuel Okwaraji, some of his teammates who played with with in the national team are yet to get over the pain of his death.

August 12, 1989 was a day many Nigerian football fans would not forget as it was the day Samuel Okwaraji slumped and died while playing for Nigeria against Angola in World Cup qualifiers.

Despite rushing him to the hospital from the National stadium in Lagos and efforts to revive his life, Samuel Okwaraji passed on.

Samuel Okwaraji, Samson Siasia, Henry Nwosu, Angola, World Cup qualifier, tributes
Siasia, Nwosu, others pay tributes to Samuel Okwaraji 33 years after death. Photo by Robert Cianflone
Source: Getty Images

The encounter was played under a chaotic condition as the Super Eagles won the qualifier 1-0.

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According to the exclusive report on Punch, Henry Nwosu and Samson Siasia who played with Samuel Okwaraji described the former footballer as a legend.

Henry Nwosu's reaction about Samuel Okwaraji

“He was that player who was ready to die for his country and he died for his country. He was such a player who hated to be cheated but unfortunately, death cheated him in such a painful manner. It is painful that he’s been gone for so long.”

Samson Siasia's statement about Okwaraji

“He was a good friend and teammate. I just noticed he was getting choked up like he could not breathe well and then he fell. I was so scared just like the other players on the pitch were.
“I tried to help him stay alive by calling on the medical team and urging them to be fast. I believed they played their part but it was just unfortunate it happened the way it did.''

Super Eagles star Moses Simon agrees personal terms with English Premier League club

Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how Nigerian international Moses Simon reportedly agreed to personal terms with newly-promoted English Premier League club Nottingham Forest.

It was gathered that the swift winger is looking to play in the English top-flight, where he will join international teammate Taiwo Awoniyi.

French Ligue 1 club Nantes are now expecting an imminent offer for the player.

The 27-year-old has also been linked with other English teams, including Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United.

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Ibitoye Shittu
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NigeriaNigeria Football Federation (NFF)