AFCON 2023: Super Eagles dedicate victory against Angola to late Okwaraji
Super Eagles of Nigeria dedicated the victory against Angola to ex-international, late Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, who died playing against Angola 35 years ago.
In a competitive quarter-final game, Nigeria defeated Angola by a lone goal to advance into the Semi-finals of the ongoing All African Cup of Nations.
Amid jubilation over the victory, the Supers Eagles in a tweet, dedicated the victory to late Okwaraji, sharing the photo of the late footballer.
“Today’s victory over Angola is a poignant reminder of the adamant spirit of Nigerian football,” the Super Eagles wrote. “As we celebrate this triumph, we also honour the memory of Late Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, who tragically left us while playing against Angola 35 years ago.”
“His passion for the game and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Samuel Okwaraji, your legacy lives on.”
Born on May 19, 1964, Okwaraji, a 25-year-old playmaker, collapsed due to heart failure and died on August 13, 1989 in the 77th-minute of a World Cup qualification game against Angola at Lagos National Stadium.
During his career, Okwaraji played for Dynamo Zagreb, Austria Klangenfurt and K. Berchem Sports.
For Nigeria, he played at the 1988 Olympics and for the national team between 1988-1989, before his demise.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
NOA cautions Plateau residents against vote buying, electoral violence
Mr Issa-Onilu urged voters to resist inducements.
States
HYPREP rallies CSOs’ support to sustain cleanup in Ogoniland
The groups applauded increased women’s participation in project activities.
Abuja
Apo-Karshi road will become tourist centre, says Wike
The minister said the road was evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to infrastructure development.
Africa
Vinícius Júnior invites teenage Sudanese boy with prosthetic legs to watch Real Madrid match in Spain
The boy’s mother said she felt like the whole world was cheering Zaher on.
Heading 5
17 passengers rescued as CNG-powered bus explodes on Lagos-Ibadan road
LASTMA said one male passenger seated at the rear of the vehicle sustained severe burn injuries in the incident.
World
Shareholders sue Nvidia, CEO Jensen Huang over affair with suspected Chinese spy
Mr Huang, 63, born in Taiwan, shares the same surname with the suspected Chinese spy but they are not related.
