Samuel Okwaraji 36th Memorial: NANPF reaffirms commitment to players’ welfare, safety
By Victor Okoye
The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has restated its commitment to players’ welfare and football safety in honour of Samuel Okwaraji.
NANPF President, Mr Sunday Abe, said this on Monday at a memorial event held to mark the 36th anniversary of Okwaraji’s death.
He said the late midfielder’s sacrifice remains a reminder of the urgent need for safety reforms in Nigerian football.
“Samuel Okwaraji made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country.
“His memory reminds us why footballers’ health and safety must be top priority.
“Beyond tributes, we are taking action by improving conditions for players at all levels,” he added.
Abe recalled NANPF’s efforts in 2015 and 2016, when it organised two editions of the Sam Okwaraji U-15 Tournament and lectures in Owerri.
He said the initiative faced setbacks due to internal family-related challenges, which stalled its continuity.
According to him, the association is reviewing the programme and may restart it in 2026.
He said that NANPF has been working with stakeholders to improve health screening, emergency response, and insurance for players.
“Player welfare is not a privilege it is a right.We must ensure such tragedies never happen again,”he said.
Okwaraji died on Aug. 12, 1989, aged 25, during a FIFA World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Angola in Lagos.
His death shocked the nation and exposed the lack of proper on-field medical support at the time.
Abe called on Nigerian football authorities to invest more in match-day medical infrastructure and qualified personnel.
He also urged enforcement of strict pre-competition health assessments for all players.
“Every player deserves to feel safe on the pitch.
“We honour Okwaraji best by making lasting reforms, not just speeches,”he said.
The 36th memorial of Samuel Okwaraji serves as a tribute and a call for safer, more professional football in Nigeria.(NAN)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
Published By
- Agriculture and Environment Desk Controller/Website Content Manager.
Has also recently published
HealthSeptember 14, 2025Resident doctors suspend warning strike
General NewsSeptember 14, 2025Group, NIDCOM mobilise Nigerians abroad for rebranding agenda
AgricultureSeptember 13, 2025L-PRES trains 80 professionals on livestock disease control, surveillance
ReligiousSeptember 11, 2025Gospel singer Lily Perez thrills worshippers at COZA
