Ex-footballer, Sam Okwaraji’s mother, Janet, on Monday lament Federal Government failure to honour son.
She stated this when a delegation from a non-governmental organization, The Compassionate Heart, led by Rev Fr. Franklin 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 on August 12, 1989, while playing for the Super Eagles against Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos in a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier that ended 1-0 in favour of Nigeria.
She stated 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 studies with football to the point of pursuing a doctorate degree programme in Germany before the unfortunate incident that claimed his life.”
she further said that he would always remember “for being a good and hardworking boy.”
Earlier, Rev Fr. Muo stated that the organization decided to identify with the old woman because “Sam would have celebrated his mother on Mother’s Day if he were alive”, adding that though his stay on earth was short-lived, “he left indelible footmarks.”
“I am appealing to the government and all and sundry not to abandon his family. Sam left his base overseas to play for the country 30 years ago and died on national assignment.
Since his death, nothing has happened to reciprocate this gesture. He was not doing it for money because he came each time he was invited to play.
