After nearly forty years of his demise, Nigerian football Legend Samuel Okwaraji, is being immortalized following the unveiling of a youth championship to honour the Super Eagles starman.
The annual tournament to be named; Sam Okwaraji U-16 Championship, is to be sponsored by First Bank of Nigeria Plc, which has pledged to kick start the Championship with football kits, logistics, accommodation and medical services.
The sponsors also committed to the full support of the championship annually, describing the initiative as a long-term investment in grassroots sports, and in this case, Nigerian Youth football.
The championship will kick off with state-level preliminaries on May 16th, 2026, with 12 teams expected to qualify for the final stage in Abuja. The championship features two teams each from the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.
“Strict measures would be implemented to prevent age falsification and ensure fairness throughout the competition,” the organisers of the Championship said
Speaking at the official unveiling of the championship at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, National Sports Commission DG, Bukola Olopade, reassured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s support.
He said they will continue to immortalise sports icons who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s development. Olopade described Sam Okwaraji’s legacy as a lasting source of inspiration.
The NSC DG noted that the championship is designed not only to honour his memory, but also to nurture young football talents across Nigeria.
The Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, used the occasion to urge young athletes to emulate Okwaraji’s discipline and academic excellence.
The NIS boss also confirmed that a new sports curriculum, approved by the National Board for Technical Education and awaiting clearance from the National Universities Commission, aims to equip athletes with life skills and certifications.