NAN reports that Sam
Okwaraji slumped and died in 1989 during a World Cup qualifier against Angola
in Lagos. But the family of the late player decided to break the silence after
26 years the incident happened.
Pat Okwaraji, brother of
the late Sam Okwaraji, an ex-Super Eagles attacker, said the Nigerian
government had not proven that the country was worth dying for by its heroes.
Okwaraji made the assertion in an interview at the Sam Okwaraji Stadium, Orlu
in Imo at the opening of Sam Okwaraji Memorial Football Competition.
The competition is
organised by Okey Eze, an APGA governorship aspirant in the 2015 general
election in Imo.
Okwaraji said Nigerian
heroes who died for the nation, including his brother were not properly
honoured by the government.
“We did not expect the
Nigerian government to give Okwaraji’s family gold and silver. “What we
expected from the country is to immortalise our son who died for the nation,’’
he said. He added that his brother who was pursuing his doctorate in law as at
the time he died was forgotten after his death. “Nigeria should learn how to
inspire young talents by celebrating them.
“When heroes are celebrated
and immortalised, it will go a long way to inspire young talents,’’ he said.
He, however, commended the sponsor of the competition, adding that it was a big
honour to the entire family. “We are happy that our son is being honoured and
remembered through this competition; I want to encourage athletes to see it as
an opportunity to excel in their career.
that is Nigeria for you
ReplyDeleteShould be honoured at all cost
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