[img]http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/attachments/okwaraji-jpg[/img]

Ex international Etim Esin has revealed that the death of Samuel Okwaraji made Nigeria lose the ticket to qualify for the the FIFA World Cup tournament held in Italy in 1990.

Late Okwaraji collapsed on the pitch at the National Stadium, Lagos 26 years ago slumping down on the pitch during a qualifying match against Angola.

Etim explained that Okwaraji was the most intelligent player he ever played with the.

He also revealed that Okwaraji's death instilled fear in the minds of the players as they felt it could have happened,which all but contributed to their failure to qualify for the World Cup in 1990.

"He was a great footballer and very intelligent one. I think he was in the first set of footballers to wear dreadlocks, which was very strange in Nigerian football at that time,” Esin told Goal.

"We were on the pitch together and it was after the game that we found out that he had passed away. During the game [against Angola], he slumped, was rushed to the hospital and that was it.

"His death cost us the Italia ‘90 Fifa World Cup [ticket] because we were all scared as no one wanted to fall and die. When we were at the airport to board a flight to Cameroon, the likes of Peter Rufai, [Richard] Owubokiri and a couple of players dropped.”

Esin expressed displeasure that the government is yet to fulfill the promises made after his death.

"No foundation on the ground, no benefits for the family, so pathetic. Even we the living ones are still going through the same thing fighting for a union that we can form into an umbrella and see what we can do.

"Foundations should have been set up so that his family can also benefit from the sacrifice he made for this country,” Esin said.

Hamilton, who was assistant to Dutchman Clemens Westerhof at the time, also extolled the virtues of the late midfielder who gave his all, including his life to the service of his country.

"He was a very good player who was always coming to the national team even when not invited or paid anything,” Hamilton told Goal.

"Okwaraji has left a very good legacy for upcoming youngsters to emulate because he was always determined and served as an epitome of determination and dedication aside from these, he gave his best for the country.”

Okwaraji, who represented Nigeria at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, is immortalized by a statue in front of the National Stadium.

A statue that is visible only if you are looking for it. Shame there is no union or pension for ex players who struggled or are struggling late in life when the ovation is over.

The way yekini was allowed to die and rot away with his issues is sad for a player that was a legend. Up to now no one has come close to scoring as frequently as the gangling one.

Okwaraji gave his life for his country and yet no celebration no acknowledgement except for a measly statue.

Muda Lawal died while he was Nigeria's soccer ambassador....who knows that

We mock our past heroes when they go bankrupt or lose their money or are homeless....you don't treat heroes like that. You honor them for eternity so the nxt generation can look and aspire to more than a glimpse or whisper (I.e. Mikel I'm talking to you)

when u talk about midfield maestro Okwaraji was like a European player back then...intelligent passes not nonsense backward passing and bench riding.

If I'm advising any young dual national who has the option to play for either Nigeria or the other country, I'll tell him to pick the other.

Hopefully Pinnick can change this narrative. First honor the past and the future will be honored to play for Nigeria.

END RANT