Okwaraji honoured as U-16 championship kicks off nationwide

… as Olopade describes late footballer as symbol of national pride

Thirty-seven years after he died in service to Nigeria, the memory of former international Samuel Okwaraji was honoured on Monday in Abuja, as First Bank, in conjunction with the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation, moved to immortalise the footballer who collapsed on the field while representing the country against Angola in a 1990 World Cup qualifying game.

The Samuel Okwaraji U16 Secondary Schools Football Championship (Memoir Cup), endorsed by the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), is scheduled to commence on May 16, 2026, across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with 12 teams competing for the grand finale in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, commended the chairman of the Steering Committee, Senator Osita Izunaso, and noted the significance of Okwaraji’s legacy to Nigerian football.

“Okwaraji’s legacy transcends generations and remains a powerful symbol of national pride. This championship will impact millions of youths across the country. I want to commend Osita Izunaso for sustaining Okwaraji’s legacy through the Foundation. Okwaraji’s story continues to inspire unity, patriotism, and sacrifice among young Nigerians,” Olopade said.

ALSO READ: Okoye ruled out of Nigeria, Jordan friendly with injury

Also speaking, the Director General of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, urged Nigerian youths to live disciplined lives that would contribute to national development.

Shaibu described Okwaraji as an example of sacrifice and patriotism, saying the late footballer gave everything to Nigeria.

“We were all in the comfort of our homes when we heard the sad news of his death while serving Nigeria at the international level. You cannot have someone like Samuel Okwaraji as a reference point and still be searching for role models in Nigerian sports,” he said.

Senator Izunaso said the championship would provide a platform to develop football talents nationwide, adding that participating schools would receive full logistics support, including kits, accommodation, medical services, officiating and security.

He stressed that standards would be maintained throughout the competition.

“Integrity is the foundation of this championship. We will ensure strict compliance with age verification and officiating standards,” Izunaso said.

The Managing Director of First Bank, Olusegun Alebiosu, represented by Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said the bank remained committed to youth participation in sports.

“This project aligns with our vision of nation-building. It will not only discover talents but also instil discipline and character in young athletes,” he said.

NSSF President, Olabisi Joseph, added that “school sports must combine learning with physical development.”