Raphael Ede, Enugu
Mrs Janet Okwaraji, mother of the late footballer, Sam Okwaraji yesterday begged the federal government, not to abandon him but to immortalize him so as to encourage national sacrifice.
Mrs Okwaraji spoke when a delegation from a non-governmental organization, ‘The Compassionate Heart’ led by Rev Fr Frankline Muo visited her residence in Abakpa, Enugu state to celebrate the 2019 mother’s day with her.
She lamented that 30 years after her son slumped and died on active duty for the country, nothing had been done to reciprocate the selfless sacrifice.
Okwaraji slumped and died while playing for the Super Eagles against Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos in a FIFA World Cup qualifier that ended 1-0 in favour of Nigeria on August 12, 1989.
Mrs Okwaraji stated while receiving her visitors that her late son loved the country and did all in his power to contribute to its growth, adding “he excelled as a young boy and combined study with football to the point of pursuing a doctorate degree programme in Germany before the unfortunate incident that claimed his life”.