Nigerian Football Legend Lawrence Okonji Passes On At 83, Nation Mourns Iconic Striker

Nigeria’s football community has been plunged into grief following the passing of former Green Eagles forward, Lawrence Onweazu Okonji, at the age of 83. According to Ireporter Online, Okonji was one of the standout strikers of the early national team era and made his first appearance for the Green Eagles in 1963, representing the country for a decade.

During his time with the national team, he played alongside iconic figures such as Joseph Erico, Peter Anieke, Paul Hamilton, and Sebastian Brodricks. Hamilton would later rise to become head coach of the Super Eagles, while Erico and Brodricks each served as assistant coaches. Brodricks also achieved global recognition by guiding the Golden Eaglets to their historic triumph at the inaugural FIFA U-16 World Cup in China in 1985.

Older generations of fans fondly recall Okonji’s remarkable performances in international friendlies, particularly memorable clashes against Queens Park Rangers of England and Fortuna Düsseldorf of Germany. One of the defining highlights of his career occurred on June 6, 1973, when he netted the final goal ever scored at the old Lagos City Stadium during a friendly between NEPA and Stationery Stores—a symbolic moment at a venue that once hosted football legend Pelé.

Okonji also represented Lagos State at the maiden National Sports Festival in 1973. At the club level, he played for several notable sides of the era, including Sharks, NEPA Lagos, Port Authority of Lagos, and Aba Giant Killers, the team now known as Enyimba.

After retiring from active play, he transitioned into coaching, contributing significantly to football development. He managed teams such as NEPA FC Lagos, Guinness FC, Lagos Academicals, Requins de l’Atlantique of Benin Republic, and Delta Force, formerly known as DSC FC.