By Akinwale Kasali
The Super Eagles of Nigeria has dedicated its Quarter Final victory over the Palancras Negras of Angola at the ongoing African Cup of Nations championship in Côte d’ Ivoire to the memory of late International, Samuel Okwaraji.
Okwaraji was a former Super Eagles player who slumped and died on the pitch in a 1990 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match against Angola at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The late Okwaraji who was a Lawyer and plied his trade in Europe died before he got to the hospital on that Black Saturday in 1989.
In celebrating their victory against the Southern Africa country at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, the team wrote on its X handle that the triumph was in memory of the late legend.
“Today’s victory over Angola is a poignant reminder of the adamant spirit of Nigerian football.
“ As we celebrate this triumph, we also honor 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,” it said.
The Super Eagles Team was cheered on by a number of Nigerians home and abroad, some of whom travelled to Abidjan to watch the match. Among them was Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25th Presidential Election. Obi shunned all overtures for a VIP treatment and conspicuously stood in the midst of the vociferous Super Eagles fans. He cheered, danced and gyrated with them.
Instructively, it is not the first time Obi would travel to cheer the team to victory. 11 years ago – 2013 – when the Super Eagles won the AFCON Cup, he was there to cheer them on.
The Super Eagles is gunning for its fourth AFCON title having won it in 1980, 1994 and in 2013.
The National side will lock horns in the semi-finals with the winner of the match between South Africa and Cape Verde.
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