Annual Tribute to Samuel Okwaraji: National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers Affirms Dedication Towards Player Well-being and Security
In a memorial event held recently, the President of the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF), Mr Sunday Abe, emphasised the organisation's commitment to improving the health services and safety of football players in Nigeria.
The commitment comes as a response to the tragic death of Samuel Okwaraji, a late midfielder, who passed away on August 12, 1989, during a FIFA World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Angola in Lagos. Okwaraji's death at the age of 25 exposed the lack of proper on-field medical support at the time.
Abe, in his statement, underlined that every player deserves to feel safe on the pitch. He urged enforcement of strict pre-competition health assessments for all players and emphasised that they honour Okwaraji best by making lasting reforms, not just speeches.
In 2015 and 2016, NANPF organised two editions of the Sam Okwaraji U-15 Tournament and lectures in Owerri. However, the initiative faced setbacks due to internal family-related challenges, which stalled its continuity. The organisation has now announced its review of the program, with plans to restart it in 2026.
NANPF has been working with stakeholders to improve health screening, emergency response, and insurance for players. The organisation has also partnered with the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to ensure these improvements are implemented at all levels of Nigerian football.
Abe called for Nigerian football authorities to invest more in match-day medical infrastructure and qualified personnel. He stated that player welfare is a right, not a privilege, and efforts are being made to ensure such tragedies never happen again.
The 36th memorial of Samuel Okwaraji serves as a tribute and a call for safer, more professional football in Nigeria. This article was published by an organisation that has recently published articles on politics, economy/business, general news, and education. This article was edited by Joseph Edeh.
