Sam Okwaraji’s mother dies at 83

The mother of late Nigerian football hero Sam Okwaraji, Janet is dead. She was 83 years old.

Madam Okwaraji’s death was confirmed Monday by her eldest son, Patrick.

Patrick said Nigeria’s sports minister Sunday Dare and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were duly informed after Janeth’s death.

She was a retired school teacher and proprietor.

On Monday Patrick said that the family had yet to meet to discuss when and how the burial of their mother would take place.

He added that there would also be a meeting with the people of  Umudioka Community, in Orlu, Imo State, to determine the next move for their late mother’s burial while the date is not yet fixed.

Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family.

Buhari in a statement by presidential spokesman Femi Adesina said as a mother, who lost her son in an unexpected situation, he believed that Janeth deserved to be acknowledged for her resilience and nobility, despite the odds.

Janeth’s son, Sam Okwaraji died of heart failure on 12 August 1989 while playing for the Nigerian national team.

“The President believes Lady Okwaraji, whose son, Samuel, died in August 1989 while playing for the Super Eagles in a World Cup qualifier, will always be remembered for the sacrifices of the family for the nation,” Adesina said.

“President Buhari affirms that the matriarch of the Okwaraji family, like her son, defined simplicity, loyalty, and patriotism in many ways as she remained steadfast, believing in Nigeria, despite the vicissitude of life.”