President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has assured family members of the late Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji as well as Nigerians that the NFF will continue to remember the fallen hero.
On the eve of the 26th anniversary of the unfortunate incident that saw one of the brightest midfielders in Nigeria football history die of cardiac arrest, Pinnick put a call through to Lady Jane Okwaraji, Samuel’s mother who lives in Owerri.
“Mama, there is nothing I can say other than to tell you to continue to take solace in the fact that Sochukwuma was a star for Nigeria, a name that no one has been able to forget no matter how much they tried. He was the quintessential professional and patriot per excellence.
“Please be rest assured that Sochukwuma will continue to be in our hearts and consciousness. He was a rare gem. I assure you that the NFF will continue to keep in touch with you.
He recalled that as a young boy, he was at the National Stadium to watch the big match only to go home with a heavy heart after news broke of Okwaraji’s tragic departure.
“It was a horrible day, for someone like me and several other Nigerians who were right inside the National Stadium, Lagos that day. By all accounts, Okwaraji was a consummate professional and was a shining example of patriotic fervor.
Last Wednesday, the portrait of the late midfielder was displayed round the eight venues of the Federation Cup quarterfinals in remembrance of him: Enugu, Benin City, Neros Stadium, Oleh, Lokoja, Abuja, Ilorin and Makurdi.
It would be recalled that the late Okwaraji died on August 12, 1989 while playing for the senior national team, the Super Eagles in a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos.