Samuel Okwaraji’s name unarguably deserves a special place in Nigeria’s soccer history as the most patriotic footballer ever to come out of Nigeria.
This led many soccer pundits to arrive at the conclusion that he laid down his life for Nigeria’s football to live.
To many, Okwaraji came onto Nigeria’s soccer scene not for what the country could do for him, but what he could do for the country.
He was contented with what he had and never got himself into the problem of putting money first before wearing the national colours. At a point, it was recorded that he paid his way to play for Nigeria without demanding a refund and that showed how patriotic this soccer legend was.
The late soccer star was the fifth in the line of seven children, five of whom were boys and two girls.
Sam was born in Umudioka, Orlu, Imo State, on May 19, 1964. His father, Mr David Okwaraji was a late duty officer at the erstwhile Nigerian Airways and the mother, Mrs Janet Okwaraji, a retired Headmistress.
A graduate of Eziachi Secondary School, Orlu, Imo State. He came into limelight in the crucial soul ‘88 Olympic Games qualifier against Algeria played at the famous Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu.
Sam was on loan to West German second division side, SSV-ULM 1848 from first division side VFB Stuttgart, at the time he debuted for Nigeria.
He was the secret weapon of victory in that crucial game as he waltzed through the defense of the Algerians with ease.
Fondly called “Waski Pele” by colleagues and numerous admirers in his locality, Sam was also popularly known for his Rasta hair dreads which always made him to stand out in the field of play.
To be continued………..
