Ex-Arsenal youth player Sam Oji dies aged 35 after battle with illness with old club paying

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Former Arsenal youth player Sam Oji has died at the age of 35 after an illness
Oji, who is the cousin of singer Lemar, joined the Gunners as a teenager in 2000
He went on to play for Birmingham City and Leyton Orient during his career
He was most recently working as assistant manager for Highgate United

Published: 06:30 EDT, 28 August 2021 | Updated: 08:36 EDT, 28 August 2021

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Former Arsenal youth player and Birmingham City defender Sam Oji has died at the age of 35.

Oji, who is the cousin of singer Lemar, started his career with the Gunners in 2000 but signed for Birmingham after failing to progress to the first-team.

Most recently, Oji was working as assistant manager at non-league outfit Highgate United, who play in the ninth tier of English football. The club said Oji was 'extremely ill' on Friday night but was 'fighting like a warrior' before confirming his death on Saturday night.

Former Arsenal youth player and Birmingham City defender Sam Oji has died at the age of 35

On Friday, they wrote: 'There has been various comments posted across social media throughout the day with regards the welfare of Samuel Oji.

'Sam is extremely ill but still fighting like the warrior that he is.'

In a statement on Saturday, the club said: 'All it is with a very heavy heart that I am deeply saddened to inform you, that our beloved Captain, Leader and Legend Samuel Oji has sadly passed away.

'The thoughts of all at Highgate United FC are with Sam’s wife, children and family at this very sad time. RIP Oji.'

Oji also played for Birmingham and Leyton Orient during a 17-year career in football

Oji spent four years with the midlands clubs and enjoyed loan spells with Doncaster Rovers, Bristol Rovers and Leyton Orient - who he signed for permanently in 2008.

Birmingham paid tribute to their former player, tweeting: 'The Club is devastated to hear of the passing of former player Sam Oji, aged 35. The thoughts of everyone at #BCFC are with Sam's family and friends at this extremely difficult time.'

Leyton Orient also tweeted and said their thoughts are with Oji's family.

The wrote: 'We're deeply saddened to learn the news that former player Sam Oji has passed away. Our thought are with Sam's nearest and dearest in this difficult time. Rest in peace, Sam.'

Former Aston Villa player Lee Hendrie, who played with Oji at Tamworth between 2012 and 2013 also paid tribute to his former team-mate.

'So sad to hear the news about the big man @SamuelOji_24. One of the nicest guys you meet on and off the pitch. Thinking of the family. Gone far to soon. R.I.P big man.'

After leaving Leyton Orient in 2008, Oji signed for Hereford United before spells with Swedish club Ljungskile, Tamworth, Irish clubs Limerick and Galway, Worcester City and Hedensford Town.

He joined Highgate United in 2018 and took up the role of assistant manager this summer.