Sam Okwaraji - A Nigerian Hero

Sam Okwaraji's bust in front of the National Stadium, Lagos

The bust of Sam Okwaraji, a football player who died while playing for the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier against Angola in 1989, stands in front of the National Stadium, Lagos where he breathed his last.

Sam Okwaraji, a true Nigerian hero

National Theatre

The complex was constructed in the 1970s to host the Festival of Black and African Arts and Culture, FESTAC 77. This view is from the Carter Bridge.

National Stadium

The National Stadium in Surulere was the scene of Nigeria's victory in the 1980 African Cup of Nations football championships. In that final match, Nigeria triumphed 3-0 over Algeria. Some of the major actors that day are still very much around. Segun Odegbami, Christian Chukwu, all greats of Nigerian football.

20 years later in 2000, Nigeria could not repeat the same feat as we lost to Cameroon on the same ground via penalties in the final. It was the third time Cameroon were beating us in the final of the tournament.

Tafawa Balewa Square

This is the Tafawa Balewa Square located on the Lagos Island. It used to play host to many state activities like the Independence Day parade, etc. It has since come into disuse/under utilisation since the seat of government was moved from Lagos to Abuja. But it is still a show of Lagos' beautiful past. The horses and the eagles on the gate are national symbols representative of Nigeria's strength on land and in the air.