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Former Nigerian striker, Lawrence Onweazu Okonji has passed away at the age of 83, according to DAILY POST.
Okonji rose to prominence during his tenure with the Green Eagles, now known as the Super Eagles.
The former forward received his first call-up to the national team in 1963 and continued to represent the team until 1973.
He played alongside football legends such as Joseph Erico, Peter Anieke, Paul Hamilton, and Sebastian Brodricks.
Hamilton once managed the Super Eagles, while Erico and Brodricks served as assistant coaches.
Brodricks also coached the Golden Eaglets team that won the inaugural FIFA U-16 World Cup in China in 1985.
Okonji’s performances in international friendlies against teams like Queens Park Rangers of England and Fortuna Düsseldorf of Germany remain memorable highlights of his career.
One of the defining moments of his illustrious career occurred on June 6, 1973, when he scored the final goal at the historic Lagos City Stadium (now Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan) during a friendly match between NEPA and Stationery Stores, symbolically marking the closure of the old ground that had hosted football greats including Pelé.
He also represented Lagos State at the first National Sports Festival in 1973.
At the club level, Okonji played for prominent teams such as the now-defunct Sharks, NEPA of Lagos, Port Authority of Lagos, and Aba Giant Killers (now Enyimba).
Later in his career, Okonji transitioned into coaching, managing clubs such as NEPA FC Lagos, Guinness FC, Lagos Academicals, Requins de l’Atlantique FC of Benin Republic, and Delta Force (formerly DSC FC).
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams did Lawrence Okonji play for?
Lawrence Okonji played for several clubs including the defunct Sharks, NEPA of Lagos, Port Authority of Lagos, and Aba Giant Killers (now known as Enyimba).
When did Lawrence Okonji represent the national team?
He was first invited to the national team in 1963 and played until 1973.
What was a notable achievement in Okonji's career?
One of his notable achievements was scoring the final goal at the historic Lagos City Stadium during a friendly match on June 6, 1973.
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