By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Aug. 12, 2025 (NAN) As Nigeria marks the 36th anniversary of the tragic passing of football legend Samuel Okwaraji, the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has restated its commitment to honouring his legacy through sustained efforts to improve player welfare and safety in the sport.
Speaking at a memorial event held in Okwaraji’s honour, NANPF President Sunday Abe underscored the association’s dedication to safeguarding the health, well-being, and rights of professional footballers across the country.
“Samuel Okwaraji made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country. His memory serves as a solemn reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive safety standards in Nigerian football,” Abe said.
“Beyond tributes, we are transforming this remembrance into action by prioritizing player welfare at every level of the game.”
Abe recalled that NANPF previously organized two editions of the Sam Okwaraji National U-15 Tournament and Lectures in 2015 and 2016 in Owerri, Imo State.
However, the initiative was later derailed by internal challenges involving close family members.
He noted that the association is considering a review to revive the program, potentially starting in 2026.
According to Abe, NANPF has been actively collaborating with key stakeholders to enhance player welfare through better health screening protocols, emergency response systems, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
He added that ongoing campaigns aim to educate footballers about their rights, access to medical care, and the importance of both physical and mental well-being.
“Player welfare is not a privilege — it is a right,” he emphasized.
“As we honour Okwaraji, we also demand concrete steps to prevent such tragedies from ever happening again.”
Samuel Okwaraji, a lawyer and gifted midfielder, died on August 12, 1989, at just 25 years old, after collapsing during a FIFA World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Angola at the National Stadium in Lagos.
His sudden death shocked the football world and exposed serious shortcomings in on-field medical preparedness.
Abe renewed NANPF’s call for greater investment by Nigerian football authorities in match-day medical infrastructure, including the deployment of qualified medical personnel and the enforcement of strict pre-competition health assessments for players.
“Every player who steps onto the pitch deserves the assurance that their safety is non-negotiable.
“The best way to honour Okwaraji’s legacy is not merely with words, but through lasting reforms,” Abe concluded.
The 36th memorial of Samuel Okwaraji stands as both a tribute and a wake-up call — a moment of reflection and renewed resolve to make Nigerian football safer, more professional, and more protective of its most valuable asset: the players.(NAN)
