By: Ike Philip Abiagom
Death has taken a revered figure, but history will forever preserve his name. He was more than a legend; he was an institution whose life embodied excellence, sacrifice, and service. In his prime, he inspired generations, broke barriers, and set standards that redefined his field. With his passing, the nation mourns not just the loss of a man, but the departure of an era whose impact will echo long after the final whistle of life.
Nigeria has lost one of its most revered football legends with the death of Elder Lawrence Onweazu Okonji, a celebrated striker, coach, motivator, father, traditional title holder, nation builder, and philanthropist whose life and career touched countless lives. He died on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the age of 83.
Fondly known as the “Daddy of Soccer” and the “Goal Sniffer,” Elder Okonji was among the pioneers of Nigerian football, leaving an indelible mark as a prolific goal scorer, national team player, and later as a highly respected coach who groomed talents across Nigeria and beyond.
Born in 1943 in Abakaliki and hailing originally from Ibusa in Delta State, Okonji’s love for football began at the tender age of five. By 16, he had launched his professional career with Ike Football Club, Abakaliki. He attended St. Theresa’s School, Abakaliki, and later earned a Diploma in Sports (Football Coaching) from the University of Physical Education in Budapest, Hungary.
During his illustrious playing career, Elder Okonji featured for several notable clubs, including Ike FC Abakaliki, Aba Giant Killers (now Enyimba FC), the Eastern Nigeria Team, Port Harcourt Red Devils (now Sharks FC), Ports Authority FC Lagos, and ECN (now NEPA FC Lagos). He also represented Lagos State at the 1973 National Sports Festival.
At the international level, he was a key member of the Green Eagles between 1965 and 1973, playing alongside legends such as Anthony Igwe, Joseph Erico, Peter Anieke, Paul Hamilton, and Sebastian Brodricks. He featured in historic matches against renowned foreign sides including Queens Park Rangers of England and Fortuna Düsseldorf of Germany.
Following his retirement from active football, Okonji seamlessly transitioned into coaching, where he continued to shape Nigerian football. He coached teams such as NEPA FC, Guinness FC Lagos, Lagos Academicals, Requins de l’Atlantique FC of Benin Republic, and Delta Force (formerly DSC FC). One of the most symbolic moments of his career occurred on June 6, 1973, when he scored the final goal ever recorded at the Lagos City Stadium, Onikan, during a friendly match between NEPA and Stationery Stores.
Beyond football, Elder Okonji retired from NEPA in 1989 as a Principal Executive Officer in the Personnel Department and officially stepped away from coaching in 1997. He later ventured into business, founding Okonji Enterprises with his late wife, Justina Okonji.
A respected community leader, he was honoured with a chieftaincy title in his hometown of Ibusa and remained a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and grassroots football development. Over the years, he mentored several players who went on to become household names, including Adokiye Amiesimaka, Alloy Agu, and Waidi Akanni.
Elder Lawrence Okonji’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy of excellence, discipline, mentorship, and service to Nigerian football will endure for generations to come.
