By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Nigeria has lost one of its football greats, Lawrence Onweazu Okonji, a former striker and coach who passed away at the age of 83.
Okonji, fondly known as “Daddy of Soccer” and “Goal Sniffer,” was celebrated for his incredible goal-scoring instinct and leadership both on and off the pitch.
Born in 1943 in Abakaliki, in the old Eastern Region of Nigeria, he hailed from Ibusa in Delta State. His love for football began at the tender age of five, and by sixteen, he had already started his professional journey with Ike Football Club, Abakaliki.
He attended St. Theresa’s School, Abakaliki, and later proceeded to the University of Physical Education in Budapest, Hungary, where he earned a Diploma in Sports with a specialization in Football Coaching. His playing career took him through some of Nigeria’s most iconic teams, including Aba Giant Killers (now Enyimba FC), Port Harcourt Red Devils (now Sharks FC), Ports Authority FC Lagos, and ECN (now NEPA FC Lagos).
Okonji was first invited to the national team, the Green Eagles, in 1963, and became a full-time member by 1965, representing Nigeria until 1973. He played alongside football legends such as Joseph Erico, Peter Anieke, Paul Hamilton, and Sebastian Brodricks. His performances in international friendlies against teams like Queens Park Rangers of England and Fortuna Düsseldorf of Germany remain memorable highlights of his career.
He represented Lagos State at the first National Sports Festival in 1973 and went on to make a seamless transition into coaching. As a coach, he handled clubs such as NEPA FC Lagos, Guinness FC, Lagos Academicals, Requins de l’Atlantique FC of Benin Republic, and Delta Force (formerly DSC FC).
One of the defining moments of his illustrious career came on June 6, 1973, when he scored the final goal at the historic Lagos City Stadium (Onikan) during a friendly match between NEPA and Stationery Stores marking the symbolic closure of the old ground that had hosted football greats including Pelé.
After retiring from NEPA in 1989 as Principal Executive Officer in the Personnel Department, he continued coaching until 1997, after which he went into private business with his late wife, Justina Okonji, establishing Okonji Enterprises.
Okonji was later honoured with a Chieftaincy title in his hometown of Ibusa, Delta State, in recognition of his contributions to football and youth development. He remained a strong supporter of grassroots football and mentored future stars such as Adokiye Amiesimaka, Alloy Agu, and Waidi Akanni.
A true pioneer, Elder Lawrence Okonji lived a life dedicated to football, family, and service. His passion, discipline, and achievements continue to inspire generations of Nigerian players and coaches. He will be deeply missed.
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