The highly skilful footballer slumped in the 77th minute during the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifier game against Angola on August 12, 1989 at the National Stadium, Lagos and was rushed to hospital where he finally passed on.
About five fans died the same day at the overcrowded 40,000-capacity stadium, as the Eagles won the 1990 World Cup qualifier 1-0 under chaotic conditions.
On a day that makes it 34 years after his sudden death, fans in a chat with The PUNCH said Okwaraji’s memory would forever remain with those who watched him play.
Ganiu Yusuf said, “I was privileged to watch Okwaraji play the very day he died and I can say I can never forget that moment. It was a scary moment and I was somewhere close to the pitch when I saw him go down.
“But truth be told, we never thought that was the end of him. Very skilful and maybe the best of his time.
“He will never be forgotten by those who watched him play then and maybe not by this generation who didn’t watch him.”
Adekunle Tope added, “I was very young when he died but I still remember the incident. He was a great player by all standards and he will be forever missed.”
For Akintoroye Francis, he is privileged to have watched one of Nigeria’s football greats live.
“I am happy I watched one of the best players this country had produced even though his career was cut short.
“He was 25 when he died but in the short time you could see his talent and the quality. A lot of us thought the future was bright but unfortunately the incident happened, but there is nothing we can do but to appreciate the little moment we saw of him.
“He will forever be celebrated and I am happy some media houses still find him worthy to be celebrated every year.”
A Nigerian in his early 50s, Taiwo Stephen, told The PUNCH they kept praying for the fallen footballer, until they learnt he had passed on.
“Back then, I was much younger and used to watch most of the Super Eagles’ games, so I was at the stadium on that day. Okwaraji was a very good footballer, but he had been playing like it was an off day. However, it was still amazing to watch him and Etim Esin play before that incident happened.
“We were all watching and suddenly he fell and he was rushed off the pitch. I remember we were all praying for him on the way home before we later learnt of his death the next day,” Stephen said.
The father of three confessed that the weather was indeed harsh that day.
“It was very hot that day and there were too many people in the stadium. I think I even heard that some people among the fans died.
Okwaraji’s legacy will never die as long as we continue to tell these stories to our children. He was a brilliant footballer and inspired many of the next generation that won the Olympic gold medal and the African Cup of Nations,” Stephen added.
Doctors said Okwaraji died of congestive heart failure, with an autopsy revealing he had an enlarged heart and high blood pressure.
Okwaraji was more than just a football player; he was a symbol of dedication, courage and selflessness.
Born May 19, 1964, in Orlu, Imo State, Okwaraji exhibited exceptional talent from an early age. As he grew, his passion for both education and football blossomed.
His journey took him from his hometown to Europe, where he pursued higher education while simultaneously pursuing his football dreams.
Okwaraji held a master’s degree in International Law from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, demonstrating his intellectual prowess alongside his athletic abilities.
What stood out was not just the loss of a talented footballer, but the legacy he left behind. Okwaraji’s commitment to his team, his country and his dreams became an enduring source of inspiration. Reports at the time said he paid his flight tickets to represent his country.
His sacrifice on the pitch became a powerful reminder of the importance of pursuing one’s passions, no matter the obstacles.
As the years passed, Okwaraji’s legacy continued to thrive. His determination to excel, his commitment to education and his love for football remained etched in the annals of history.
