As Another August 12 Quietly Slips By, Who Remembered Sam Okwaraji?, by Isaac Asabor

As another August 12 quietly slipped by almost a week ago, it is worth asking: who remembered Sam Okwaraji? For most, the date holds no particular significance, but for Nigerian football enthusiasts, it marks a poignant moment in the nation’s sporting history, a day that should never be forgotten. On this date in 1989, Sam Okwaraji, a promising young footballer, collapsed on the pitch during a World Cup qualifier match against Angola at the National Stadium in Lagos and tragically lost his life. His untimely death left a void not just in Nigerian football but in the hearts of millions who had witnessed the rise of a true patriot and sportsman.

Sam Okwaraji was more than just a footballer; he was a symbol of dedication and selflessness. Born in Orlu, Imo State, on May 19, 1964, Okwaraji’s passion for football was evident from a young age. His talent on the pitch was matched by his intellect off it,Okwaraji was a law graduate, having earned his degree in Europe while simultaneously pursuing his football career. His commitment to the national team was unparalleled, often sacrificing his personal ambitions for the greater good of Nigerian football.

On that fateful day in August 1989, Okwaraji played his heart out for his country, just as he always did. With the Super Eagles locked in a fierce battle with Angola, Okwaraji collapsed in the 77th minute. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly after, with reports indicating that he had suffered from congestive heart failure. The shocking news reverberated across Nigeria, plunging the nation into mourning. Okwaraji was only 25 years old, yet his legacy was already cemented.

However, as the years have passed, it seems that the memory of Sam Okwaraji has begun to fade. Unlike other football legends who are celebrated annually, Okwaraji’s name is often overlooked, his contributions to Nigerian football slowly slipping into obscurity. There are no grand memorials, no national tributes, only a few die-hard fans and sports historians continue to honor his memory. The question remains: why has Nigeria forgotten Sam Okwaraji?

Part of the answer lies in the nature of collective memory. In a country where political and economic challenges dominate the national discourse, the achievements and sacrifices of sportsmen and women often take a backseat. But Okwaraji’s story is one of resilience, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, qualities that should be celebrated and emulated by future generations.

It is high time that Nigeria renews its commitment to preserving the memory of Sam Okwaraji. His name should be etched in the annals of Nigerian history alongside the greats who have shaped the nation’s identity. August 12 should not be just another day on the calendar; it should be a day of reflection, a day to honor a hero who gave his life for his country. The government, football authorities, and the public at large should come together to ensure that Okwaraji’s legacy lives on.

Perhaps the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) could introduce an annual Sam Okwaraji memorial match, with proceeds going towards supporting young talents who embody his spirit. Schools could include lessons about his life and career in their curricula, teaching students about the values of dedication and patriotism. Media outlets could run features and documentaries that highlight his contributions to Nigerian football, ensuring that his story is told and retold for generations to come.

In remembering Sam Okwaraji, we are not just paying tribute to a fallen hero; we are also reaffirming our commitment to the ideals he stood for. As we move forward, let us ensure that August 12 becomes a day of national significance, a day when Nigerians of all ages come together to honor the legacy of a true patriot.

At this juncture, it is germane to opine that in a nation as culturally rich and historically significant as Nigeria, one might expect its heroes to be revered, their legacies celebrated, and their contributions etched permanently into the collective memory. Yet, time and again, Nigeria has shown a troubling tendency to forget those who have served and sacrificed for the country, leaving their stories to fade into obscurity.

Take the case of Rashidi Yekini for instance, who was Nigeria’s all-time leading goal scorer and the man behind the country’s first-ever World Cup goal in 1994, is another example of this national amnesia. Despite his remarkable achievements on the international stage, Yekini’s later years were marked by illness and isolation. When he passed away in 2012, there was an outpouring of grief, but the promise to honor his legacy has largely gone unfulfilled. His death was a poignant reminder of how quickly Nigeria’s sports heroes are forgotten once they leave the spotlight.

So, as August 12 has come and gone, the question lingers: who remembered Sam Okwaraji? If the answer is not enough of us, then perhaps it is time we start.