Samuel Okwaraji was indeed seen as a patriotic Nigerian.
He was on the roster of VfB Stuttgart in Germany on a 6-year deal and loaned to the 2nd division team, SSV-ULM 1846, when he had the first opportunity to play for the Green Eagles in 1988.
He was invited by the Nigerian FA to play for Nigeria in the 1988 Olympic Games qualifiers against Algeria at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Unfortunately, his club manager declined the request and demanded a released clause of $45,000 from the Nigerian FA for the period in which Okwaraji would be on national duty.
John Obakpolor, the then Nigerian FA Chairman, decided to broker a deal for $15,000.
However, when Samuel heard that the club was charging his country, he was enraged and hit back at his manager for making such unprecedented demands. Then, he left these unforgettable words in the ears of his manager:
“I am a lawyer, and you know, and I signed to play football for certain conditions, but I do not think it includes reselling my services to my country. You or your club cannot stop me from playing for my country. Let me tell you, I am going to represent my country whether you like it or not.”
And with those words, Okwaraji left for Nigeria, a land he loved so much and gave his all to.
He was not scared to put his career on the line for his country.
Unfortunately, the young, talented player met his untimely death on August 12, 1989 while on national duty.
No doubt, Okwaraji paid his way to play for Nigeria without asking for a dime.
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