Samuel Okwaraji: Super Eagles remember legend 35 years after death

There is news about Super Eagles of Nigeria legend Nomso Obiajuru Samuel Okwaraji.

Okwaraji is remembered on the day of his death by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

On August 12, 1989, with 13 minutes remaining in the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Angola at the national stadium in Surulere, Okwaraji, a PhD student of law, collapsed.

The late Nigerian hero was given a well-deserved remembrance 35 years after his death, which was confirmed upon his arrival at the hospital from the game.

The NFF put out a statement by Okwaraji on his decision to honor a call-up from Nigeria despite resistance from the NFF SSV 1846 manager who tried to stop him.

The statement by Okwaraji said, "I am a lawyer you know and signed to play football for certain conditions but I don’t think it included reselling my services to my country.

"You or your club cannot stop me from playing for my country. Let me tell you, I am going to represent my country whether you like it or not – SO tells

The NFF then added a statement that said, "Today like every 12th August since 1989, we remember Samuel Okwaraji who tragically passed on while playing a FIFA World Cup Qualifier vs Angola.

"Sam displayed high patriotism while playing for Nigeria, an example that is still relevant in Nigeria today: #WeRememberOkwaraji."

Okwaraji's commitment to the Super Eagles is an example of patriotism several Nigerian football fans ask of from the current set up.