Former Nigerian striker Lawrence Onweazu Okonji has passed away at the age of 83.

Okonji rose to prominence during his time with the Green Eagles—now known as the Super Eagles—earning his first call-up to the national team in 1963 and representing Nigeria until 1973.

He played alongside football greats such as Joseph Erico, Peter Anieke, Paul Hamilton, and Sebastian Brodricks, many of whom later contributed to Nigerian football as coaches. Brodricks notably managed the Golden Eaglets team that won the inaugural FIFA U-16 World Cup in China, 1985.

Okonji’s performances in international friendlies against teams like Queens Park Rangers (England) and Fortuna Düsseldorf (Germany) remain standout moments in his career. A defining highlight came 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, marking the closure of a ground that had hosted legends, including Pelé.

At the state level, Okonji represented Lagos State at the first National Sports Festival in 1973.

At club level, he played for top Nigerian teams such as Sharks, NEPA of Lagos, Port Authority of Lagos, and Aba Giant Killers (now Enyimba).

Following his playing career, Okonji transitioned into coaching, managing teams including NEPA FC Lagos, Guinness FC, Lagos Academicals, Requins de l’Atlantique FC (Benin Republic), and Delta Force (formerly DSC FC).

Okonji’s legacy as a trailblazer in Nigerian football remains firmly etched in the nation’s sporting history.