BY ANDREW EKEJIUBA
Former Super Eagles attacker, Etim ‘Maradona’ Esin, has called on the federal government to immortalize late Sam Okwaraji who died on August 12, 1989, at the National Stadium, Lagos.
Okwaraji died in an explosive Italia’90 World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Palancas Negras of Angola.
Esin, who is perturbed on the failure of government and the Nigeria Football Federation to do the needful for the fallen hero said 22 years, is enough time for the government to have a rethink and immortalize Okwaraji who died while serving the country.
“How can Nigerians who love football so much and the government do this by refusing to immortalize Okwaraji,” Esin asked while reacting to the question on the late dare-devil midfield dynamo.
“It is sad and pathetic for the federal government to forget Sam just like that. Few weeks ago during the anniversary and remembrance of his death, not even the government said anything on immortalizing the soccer maestro who gave up his life for our football to live.
I think the federal government can still do something for him despite the number of years he departed this world,” he said.
“Okwaraji was a graduate, activist, patriot and complete footballer and it will be difficult to have a player in his mould in the country. I have seen the present generation of players in Nigeria and I have come to the conclusion that I’m yet to see a player more dedicated like Okwaraji,” he concluded with a tinge of regret.
