A befitting memorial is bound to be granted late Nigerian football legend, Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, as a stadium named in his honour is about to receive a face-lift in Orlu, Imo State.
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This follows a super exclusive report in February by Sports247, which revealed that the stadium in Orlu has been abandoned, unkempt and derelict, while the late icon’s family home in the countryside is also rotting away under lock and key.
Many Nigerians continue raising eyebrows and concern over the pathetic level of neglect given the memory of Okwaraji, who died during active duty with the Super Eagles on August 12th, 1989 in a World Cup qualifier against Angola.
However, a ray of hope has emerged that the late football star may eventually get his due post-humous reward, as the government of Imo State is wading into the issue of rehabilitation for the stadium named after him in his town of origin.
This was disclosed by Imo State commissioner for sports, Honourable Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha (Onowu), who told Sports247 that a high-level meeting has already taken place to discuss the matter.
Honourable Onyeacha also assured that the memory of Okwaraji will not be allowed to fade away, considering that he was a loyal son or Orlu, Imo State and Nigeria as a whole.
“Samuel Okwaraji is our own. He happened to come from the same local government with myself. When he was playing, he did wonderfully, while representing Imo State and Nigeria as a whole.
“We cannot abandon him ever, because he was our own. He is still our own, though he is late. So, Imo State will continue to celebrate him.
“The last time I had a discussion with His Excellency, we spoke about plans by the state to give Okwaraji a wonderful recognition for making us proud and he honoured the country at large,” the commissioner said.
He concluded by reiterating that something concrete will soon be done regarding Samuel Okwaraji Stadium in Orlu, as the matter is already on the desk of Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.
“I can assure you, we’ve not forgotten him. We have plans for the stadium and it was part of my discussion with His Excellency. So, nothing about Okwaraji will be abandoned,” Honourable Onyeocha stressed.
