- Former Nigeria striker Lawrence Onwezu Okongie dies at the age of 83. Okonji was a key player for the Green Eagles (now the Super Eagles) from 1963 to 1973, playing alongside legends such as 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 a coach for many clubs.
Former Nigeria striker Lawrence Onwezu Okongie dies at the age of 83.
A standout player for the Green Eagles (now the Super Eagles), Okonji was first invited to the national team in 1963 and played for the team until 1973. During his ten years with the national team, he played alongside legends such as Joseph Erico, Peter Aniek, Paul Hamilton and Sebastian Brodericks.
His career included memorable performances in international friendlies against the likes of Queens Park Rangers and Fortuna Dusseldorf. One of his defining moments was scoring the last goal in a friendly match at the historic Lagos City Stadium (now Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan) on June 6, 1973, marking the symbolic closing of the stadium.
At club level, Okonji represented Nigeria’s top clubs including the defunct Sharks, Lagos NEPA, Lagos Ports Authority and Aba Giant Killers (now Enyimba). After retiring as a player, he turned to coaching, managing several teams including NEPA FC Lagos, Guinness FC and Delta Force.
In other news… Fashion designer Prudent Gabriel recently shared a touching video on her Instagram page that melted hearts.
The designer, who recently welcomed her first child, used the video to express her deep gratitude for her mother’s unwavering support during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
As a token of his gratitude, Prudent gave his mother a brand new Toyota car in recognition of the care and love she received during Omugwo, Nigeria’s traditional postpartum care period.
In her caption, Prudent reflected on how her mother made the birth smooth and always made sure she was comfortable while caring for her newborn son, Cohen. She recalled her mother often carrying Keon herself to let Prudent rest, and even following her everywhere just to be close to her grandson.
Prudent also shared how her mother constantly reminded her to eat properly to maintain her milk supply, emphasizing the ongoing care and guidance she received. Video of the car’s reveal captured a touching moment as her mother, overcome with emotion, bowed and put her hands on her head in thanks. She later prayed for her daughter that Prudente’s children would honor her as her own mother had.
