Super Eagles Dedicate AFCON Quarter-Final Win to Okwaraji: "He Died While Playing Against Angola"
- The Super Eagles of Nigeria dedicated their 1-0 victory against Angola in the AFCON 2023 quarterfinals to the memory of late football legend Samuel Okwaraji
- The team celebrated the win on social media, emphasising the significance of the victory in honouring Okwaraji's spirit, who tragically died 35 years ago while playing against Angola
- Samuel Okwaraji, born on May 19, 1964, was a notable Nigerian international player who passed away at the age of 25 during a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos
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Abidjan, Ivory Coast - The Super Eagles of Nigeria have dedicated their 1-0 victory against the Palancas Negras of Angola in the quarterfinals of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 to the memory of late Samuel Okwaraji.
Celebrating their crucial win against Angola at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, the Super Eagles team posted on its X handle that the victory was in memory of the late football legend.
Source: Twitter
“Today’s victory over Angola is a poignant reminder of the adamant spirit of Nigerian football.
“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,” the post read.
Who is Samuel Okwaraji?
Samuel Okwaraji was born on May 19, 1964, in Orlu, Imo state.
The late Nigerian international was a force to reckon with, playing in the middle of the field. Sadly, he died on August 12, 1989, at the age of 25 years old.
Okwaraji slumped and died while playing in a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos.
Nigerians react
Christian C., @omorogiec, said:
"Keep Resting Okwaraji. Gone but never to be forgotten "
Dr Dípò Awójídé, @OgbeniDipo, said:
"Continue to rest in peace Samuel Okwaraji ❤️"
Yimzy, @oyimzy, said:
"Let’s win this trophy for him and Stephen Keshi."
Thee SGF, @Yeribaba_, said:
"May the soul of our dear legendary Samuel Okwaraji, and those who died serving Nigeria rest in peace."
Read more about Nigeria's victory against Angola
- AFCON 2023: Photos of Peter Obi Watching Nigeria vs Angola Match in Abidjan Stadium Go Viral
- AFCON 2023: Osimhen Breaks Silence After Super Eagles’ Impressive Win vs Angola, Hails Teammates
- AFCON 2023: Singer KCee Loses N5m As Super Eagles Defeat Angola 1–0, People React
AFCON 2023: Why we lost to Nigeria - Angola coach
Meanwhile, the Palancas Negras of Angola manager, Pedro Goncalves, has explained why the Super Eagles defeated his team in the quarter-finals.
Angola lost to Nigeria courtesy of Ademola Lookman's first-half goal on Friday, February 2, bringing their journey to an end at the ongoing CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d'Ivoire.
Speaking after the match, Goncalves said Nigeria had a very strong squad and was more efficient than his team.
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Source: Legit.ng
