Okwaraji was a Nigerian senior team playmaker, who died while on international duty for the country on August 12, 1989.
Seen as one of Nigeria’s greatest footballers ever, Okwaraji would have been 55 today, May 19, 2019.
He slumped and died while playing for the Green Eagles against Angola at the National Stadium, Surulere Lagos in a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The match ended 1-0 in favour of Nigeria.
Technology giants Google honoured him with a Doodle on its search engine.
Olaniyonu also took to his official Tweeter handle @Yusupholaniyonu, to celebrate the football legend.
He tweeted, “I join numerous Nigerians and lovers of sports across the world while on a true hero of Nigerian sports who died some 30 years ago. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace. #GoogleDoodle.
Also, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in a post on its Tweeter handle, @FGNingeria, said, “Today, we celebrate one of our past Heroes ~ Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji (19 May 1964 – 12 August 1989), a Lawyer turned Footballer. He served his father’s Land with all might. May the labour of our Heroes never be to celebrate.
Here are other comments about the late legendary football star:
@Nicholaibekwe said “Ex Super Eagles footballer, Samuel Okwaraji’s, would have been 55 today! Thanks #GoogleDoodle.
“Sam Okwaraji collapsed and died in the 77th minute of the World Cup qualification match against Angola on the 12th of August 1989.
“Even as a Nigerian, I’m just hearing this for the first time, thank you @GoogleDoodles for always remembering and educating.
@uchePOkoye, said “Google honours Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji (19 May 1964 – 12 August 1989)
“Who was a professional footballer, played internationally for Nigeria. He was also a qualified lawyer who had a masters in international law from the Pontifical Lateran University of Rome.#GoogleDoodle.”
