The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially thrown its weight behind the Sam Okwaraji Secondary Schools Soccer Championship — a grassroots football initiative designed to unearth and nurture young talent across the nation.
The endorsement, which comes on the heels of support from the Senate Committee on Sports Development led by Senator Abdul Ningi, positions the championship as a potential fixture in Nigeria’s sporting calendar with plans for it to become an annual event.
Spearheaded by the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation, the tournament serves as a tribute to one of Nigeria’s most revered football figures — Sam Okwaraji — who tragically passed away on the pitch during a 1989 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos.
His death, while in service of the nation, cemented his status as a symbol of dedication and national pride.
The NFF, in a letter signed by Ruth David, Acting Director of Competitions, affirmed that the championship aligns with its strategic objective to bolster youth development and grassroots football.
The federation praised the foundation’s initiative and urged strict adherence to FIFA regulations during the course of the tournament.
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“The Championship is in line with our grassroots development agenda,” the NFF stated, commending the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation for its commitment to raising a new generation of footballers.
Born and raised in Nigeria, Okwaraji studied law in Rome and was known not just for his talents on the field but also for his unwavering loyalty to the green and white.
His choice to serve the country rather than pursue club ambitions abroad continues to resonate as a benchmark for patriotism among Nigerian youth.
The championship is scheduled to kick off later this year and is expected to attract participation from secondary schools across the country, further enriching the nation’s football pipeline.