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The Super Eagles have dedicated the team’s victory over Angola in the quarter-final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to the memory of Samuel Okwaraji, the late Nigerian football legend. 

Okwaraji died on August 12, 1989. He slumped and died while playing for Nigeria in a 1990 World Cup qualifier against Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos. Okwaraji was 25 years old.

On Friday, Nigeria defeated Angola in the last eight AFCON in Ivory Coast. A first-half goal from Ademola Lookman was vital for the Super Eagles at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

In celebration of the victory, the Super Eagles said the triumph was in honour of the late Okwaraji.

In a post on the team’s X account, the Eagles described the victory as “a poignant reminder of the adamant spirit of Nigerian football”.

The team added that Okwaraji’s “passion for the game and sacrifice will never be forgotten”.

"Today's victory over Angola is a poignant reminder of the adamant spirit of Nigerian football. 🇳🇬⚽️ As we celebrate this triumph, we also honor the memory of Late Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, who tragically left us while playing against Angola 35 years ago. His passion for the… pic.twitter.com/oMYdtPbTHi

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— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 2, 2024

“Today’s victory over Angola is a poignant reminder of the adamant spirit of Nigerian football,” the tweet reads.

“As we celebrate this triumph, we also honour the memory of the Late Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, who tragically left us while playing against Angola 35 years ago. His passion for the game and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Samuel Okwaraji, your legacy lives on. We Remember Okwaraji.“

Nigeria will play the winners of the match between South Africa and Cape Verde in the semi-final.