The House of Representatives Committee on Sports has officially thrown its support behind the inaugural Sam Okwaraji National U-16 Football Championship for secondary schools, a grassroots initiative aimed at nurturing young talent and honoring a Nigerian football legend.
The endorsement was announced during a recent meeting with the organizing committee of the championship at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
The tournament, organized by the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation, pays tribute to the late Super Eagles midfielder Sam Okwaraji, who tragically collapsed and died on August 12, 1989, during a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
The championship, approved by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), is designed to promote grassroots football development and foster unity among Nigerian youths.Hon. Kabiru Amadu, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, alongside his deputy, Hon. Mohammed Buba Jajere, and committee member Hon.
Adamu Hashimu, welcomed the delegation and commended their efforts to immortalize Okwaraji, whose patriotism and sacrifice for Nigeria remain an inspiration.
“I’m happy that this tournament is being put together by patriotic Nigerians to honor a football icon whose sacrifice seems to have been forgotten after his demise over three decades ago,” Amadu stated.
He pledged the committee’s full support to ensure a seamless and successful competition, emphasizing its potential to bolster grassroots football development across the country.
Chidozie Achonwa, secretary of the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation and leader of the delegation, expressed gratitude for the committee’s backing.
Accompanied by Dr. Okechukwu Duru, Stella Agu, and Chiamaka Chinaka, Achonwa highlighted the tournament’s dual purpose: discovering young football talents and building camaraderie among participants from diverse regions.
“This championship will not only help in grassroots football development but also create good relationships among participants from various states of the federation,” he said. Achonwa also assured transparency in the organization of the event.
The Sam Okwaraji Memorial Tournament is set to kick off in August 2025 with zonal competitions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Two teams from each zone will advance to a national round-robin competition, culminating in a showcase of the country’s brightest young football talents.
The visit to the National Assembly concluded with the presentation of a giant trophy to the House Committee, symbolizing the championship’s significance.
The initiative has also garnered support from the Senate Committee on Sports Development, led by Senator Abdul Ningi, and prominent figures like Senator Osita Izunaso, who chairs the tournament’s steering committee.
