Okwaraji Family Calls on FG to Fulfill Promise 28 Years After His Death

Okwaraji Family Calls on FG to Fulfill Promise 28 Years After His Death

The family of late Nigerian midfield star Sam Okwaraji  has asked the Federal Government to fulfil its promise to build a sports  and youth development centre in honour of the player.

Okwaraji tragically passed away while on duty for the Super Eagles in a 1990 World Cup qualifier against Angola’s Palancas Negras at the National Stadium in Lagos on August 12, 1989.

The dreadlock-wearing, 25-year-old midfielder slumped during the tense tie and was later pronounced dead to the shock of the whole country.

A bust was erected in his honour at the National Stadium, but not much else has been done to immortalize the late hero.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Imo State Football Association chairman, Amanze Uchegbulam, the elder brother of the late footballer, Pat Okwaraji, said his family was distressed that government has yet to fulfil any of the promises it made during the burial of the former Stuttgart midfielder, 28 years ago.

He added that the Sam Okwaraji Foundation had decided to source about N700m for the  Sam Okwaraji Memorial Sports and Youth Development Centre since the government had failed to fulfil its promise, Punch writes.

“The sports and youth development centre is one  of the promises made by the Federal Government which have  yet to be fulfilled. We will also institute a memorial lecture series in his honour,” he said.

Pat maintained that Okwaraji, who trained as a lawyer, particularly deserved to be honoured as a role model for Nigerian youths for his ability to combine active football and education.