Samuel Okwaraji collapsed in the 77th minute of a 1990 World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Angola on August 12,1989 and was later confirmed dead due to complication of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with autopsy showing enlarged heart and high blood pressure. Two legendary musicians, Orlando Owoh and Kollington Ayinla were the first Nigerians to pay their tributes through their unique sounds.

Music and sports have always remained siamese twins. Everywhere sports go, music goes. From opening and closing ceremonies of sporting events, sports commercials and branding, down to national anthems renditions of opposing teams, music is always everywhere with sports.

But, on August 12, 1989, music, afterwards, was going to play a dirge to a fallen hero who bowed down to death on the field of play. Samuel Okwaraji came to honour his country Nigeria against Angola, in a World Cup qualifying match for Italy 1990.

Two great musicians, one of them, Kollington Ayinla, a proponent of Fuji music who is widely famous for introducing Bata sound into Fuji music genre. Kollington has garnered considerable national appeal in Fuji music with a sobriquet title of a ‘General’ for his outstanding career.

Kollington, in a track in his album ‘Fuji Megastar’, payed a thoughtful tribute to Samuel Okwaraji, by reflecting on his patriotic gesture towards his country. He, even, celebrated his dribbling talents and while rolling out his melodious tribute, Kollington Ayinla, reminded the late football star that if it means they organise soccer competitions in heaven and grave beyond, Okwaraji should not hesitate to show his dribbling skills.

Dr. Orlando Owoh, the late highlife music star, a behemoth in Nigerian music history and a die-hard football fan, was almost in tears in his music video while paying tribute to Samuel Okwaraji. He narrated how the death of the 25-year old gripped Nigeria and left the football-crazed nation stunned at the loss of a rising star.

Emotions eventually took toll on the Highlife music king, known for his baritone voice for over 30years of recording and playing good music. Orlando payed condolences on behalf of Nigerians, government and officials for Samuel Okwaraji’s selfless contribution to nation development through football.

The songs are songs we still listen to up to this day and make us not to forget our fallen hero. Those two tracks rendered by the two super -musicians to celebrate and remember Samuel Okwaraji will always unite us as one.

Words /Ireho Aito /images /Google