Nigerian international midfielder, Seyi George Olofinjana, became the first Super Eagles star to officially make financial donation to the family of Late Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji ahead of his death anniversary.

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Olofinjana, who has quietly been involved in charitable cause over the last decade, donated £2,000 (#500,000) to the late footballer's mother.

August 12 marks the 20th anniversary of Okwaraji's death, who, while alive, played professionally for Dinamo Zagreb in the old Yugoslavia.

He reportedly also played for the German side, VfB Stuttgart and SSV Ulm, while pursuing his education in law. Okwaraji was fans' favourite, due to his midfield dexterity and dazzling style.

He collapsed and died while playing for Nigeria against Angola, in a FIFA World Cup qualifier on August 12, 1989. He was 25.

Okwaraji made the Green Eagles squad in 1988, and at that year's African Nations Cup, scored one of the fastest goals in the history of the championship against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

He played till the final match, where the Eagles controversially lost to their perennial rivals, Cameroon by a lone goal.

However, Olofinjana, who just switched from Stoke City to the Premiership rival, Hull City, said: "Okwaraji epitomises the spirit of a committed and heroic football star, and the shock of his loss is still as fresh today as it was in 1989. "He never gave less than his best, and will always be remembered with affection by everyone connected to Nigerian football."

Olofinjana has, however, pledge to go beyond his latest contribution, by supporting any programme under the late midfielder's name.

He urged his professional colleagues to come to into the picture and ensure that Okwaraji take his rightful position in the history of the country's football.

"We can never speak about our tomorrow as it is in God's hands. Okwaraji must have had big dreams, but here he is, no longer with us, but his legacy lives still lives on.

"We need to honour this legend, as his success and commitment lingers in the collective memories of everyone. I was young when this tragic event occurred, but I still have a picture of Sam Okwaraji in my head.

"No amount of money can bring him back, but we just need to stand by the man, his family, his dreams and ambitions.

"We know from personal experience that football is a demanding sport, and we are all here and alive not by our powers but the will of God.

"Let us all come and immortalise the man like the Lagos State Government, the NFF, former players and his family are doing right now, may his soul continue to rest in peace," Olofinjana said.