Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya remembers the passing of Nazem Shakir

On this day, September 12, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and Iraqi football fans remember the passing of one of their most prominent football symbols, the late star Nazem Shakir, a rock in the defense of the "Lions of Mesopotamia" who died from complications of the coronavirus in a hospital in Erbil.

The club issued an official statement saying:

"On the anniversary of the passing of our captain and legend Nazem Shakir, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and to the Iraqi sports community.

Shakir was not just a player who wore the Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya shirt, but a symbol of loyalty, manhood, and sacrifice. His name is engraved in the memory of the club and the national team, and he will remain a role model for generations.

We pledge to remain faithful to his legacy and to ensure that the name of Nazem Shakir remains present in every future achievement of our Falcons.

Nazim Shakir was born on April 12, 1958, and began his journey in grassroots teams in the Al-Dora area of Baghdad, before joining Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in 1975.

In 1976, he moved to Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, where he spent most of his career until his retirement in 1988 due to injury.

He played as a central defender, known for his speed and toughness, and was nicknamed "Abu Ghazala". His name is associated with the golden era of Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, where he achieved exceptional defensive levels and distinguished local championships over more than a decade.

Shakir joined the youth national team in 1978 and then the senior national team in 1979, representing Iraq in 57 international matches.

He was one of the pillars of the national team that experienced its golden era in the 1980s, contributing to its most notable achievements.

- *FIFA World Cup Mexico 1986*: He started and delivered a heroic performance against Belgium, Mexico, and Paraguay in the most valuable achievement in the history of Iraqi football.

- FIFA World Cup 5 - Baghdad 1979: Contributed to Iraq's first Gulf Cup title in history.

- *Asian Games New Delhi 1982*: crowned with the gold medal after winning in the final.

- *Moscow 1980 Olympics*: He participated in the team's first-ever advancement to the quarter-finals.

After retiring, Shakir turned to coaching and left a clear mark. He oversaw clubs such as Al-Salam, Al-Karkh, Erbil, Duhok, Al-Nafit, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, and Al Minaa.

He also played abroad in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates for more than 7 years, worked within the coaching staff of the Olympic team in 2005, and took charge of the Iraq national team in 2010 before resigning in early 2011.

Captain Nazem Shakir has passed away in Erbil due to complications from COVID-19, leaving behind a significant football and historical legacy in the hearts of Iraqi and Arab fans.

Today, years after his departure, the name 'Abu Ghazaleh' is still present in the stands of Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya. His picture is hung in the club, and his story is told to young players as an example of belonging and fighting for the badge.