- Former Nigerian striker Lawrence Onweazu Okonji has died at the age of 83. Okonji was a key player for the Green Eagles (now Super Eagles) from 1963 to 1973, playing alongside legends like Joseph Erico and Paul Hamilton.
- His career highlights include scoring the final goal at the historic Lagos City Stadium in 1973.
- At the club level, he played for teams such as Sharks, NEPA of Lagos, and Enyimba, and later transitioned into coaching various clubs.
Former Nigerian striker Lawrence Onweazu Okonji has passed away at the age of 83.
Okonji was a prominent player for the Green Eagles (now the Super Eagles), having been first invited to the national team in 1963 and playing until 1973. During his decade with the national squad, he played alongside legendary figures such as Joseph Erico, Peter Anieke, Paul Hamilton, and Sebastian Brodricks.
His career included memorable performances in international friendlies against teams like Queens Park Rangers and Fortuna Düsseldorf. One of his defining moments was scoring the final goal at the historic Lagos City Stadium (now Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan) on June 6, 1973, in a friendly match marking the stadium’s symbolic closure.
At the club level, Okonji represented top Nigerian clubs including the defunct Sharks, NEPA of Lagos, Port Authority of Lagos, and Aba Giant Killers (now Enyimba). After retiring as a player, he moved into coaching, managing several teams including NEPA FC Lagos, Guinness FC, and Delta Force.
In other news…. Fashion designer Prudent Gabriel recently melted hearts with a heartfelt video shared on her Instagram page.
The designer, who recently welcomed her first child, used the video to express deep gratitude to her mother for her unwavering support during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
As a token of appreciation, Prudent gifted her mother a brand-new Toyota, recognizing the care and love she received during Omugwo, the traditional Nigerian postpartum care period.
In her caption, Prudent reflected on how her mother made childbirth a smooth experience, always ensuring she was comfortable while taking care of her newborn son, Keon. She recalled her mother often carrying Keon herself, allowing Prudent to rest, and even following her everywhere just to be near her grandson.
Prudent also shared how her mother consistently reminded her to eat properly to maintain her milk supply, emphasizing the constant care and guidance she received. The video of the car presentation captured a touching moment as her mother, overwhelmed with emotion, bowed and placed her hand on her head in gratitude. She later prayed for her daughter, hoping that Prudent’s children would honor her with the same devotion she has shown her own mother.
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