Emenike Dedicates His Tenth Goal of the Season to Late Okwaraji’s Memory
Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike, has dedicated his match winner for Fenerbahce against Kayseri Erciyesspor on Sunday, to the late Nigerian football star, Samuel Okwaraji.
Emenike scored in the 64th minute of the game, to seal all three points for the hosts with his tenth goal in 22 appearances for the Canaries, and disclosed that he is trying to get in touch with Okwaraji’s family, to extend a hand of fellowship to them.
Okwaraji passed on while in action for Nigeria, in a 1990 World Cup qualifying game against Angola, at the National Stadium in Lagos on August 12, 1989. Emenike revealed that he is always touched whenever he thinks about his death.
“Many people want to play for Nigeria because they love the country. Samuel Okwaraji sacrificed his life for this country but we didn’t honour him as we should,”Emenike told said moments after he led Fenerbache to a 2-1 win over Ercyerisspor
“It was a mixed feelings for me after I scored the goal, something came into my mind, and that was Samuel Okwaraji. It takes the grace of God to finish 90 minutes of game on the pitch. I am dedicating the goal to the late memory of Samuel Okwaraji and his family.”
He added: “There is no way, I will keep playing football and I will not remember Okwaraji, I heard about his exploits and his death while playing for Nigeria but it’s sad that we have forgotten him so quickly. Somebody who died on the pitch while on national assignment is a worthy national hero.
“He sacrificed his life to the national team and he deserves a lot. He made the ultimate sacrifice for this generation of players and we need to show some support to the family because one day we will not be in this game and it’s very important to remember and honour our past heroes.”
