In a move aimed at promoting youth development through sports, the House of Representatives has officially endorsed the maiden edition of the Sam Okwaraji Under-16 Football Championship for secondary schools across Nigeria. The endorsement was announced on the floor of the National Assembly, marking a significant show of support for grassroots football and honouring the legacy of the late Nigerian football icon, Sam Okwaraji.
The championship, named after Okwaraji—who tragically passed away while representing Nigeria in an international match in 1989—is designed to identify, nurture, and develop young football talent from secondary schools across the country. Lawmakers praised the initiative for its potential to rekindle national interest in school sports while instilling discipline, teamwork, and patriotism among Nigerian youths.
Members of the House described the tournament as not just a sporting event, but a critical tool for national development, social engagement, and youth empowerment. The endorsement is expected to pave the way for institutional backing, policy inclusion, and increased funding for school-based sporting activities.
By lending its support to the tournament, the House has aligned itself with efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s sports development ecosystem and immortalize the heroic contributions of Sam Okwaraji to Nigerian football. Preparations for the championship are reportedly in top gear, with nationwide participation expected and the finals scheduled to take place in a state yet to be officially disclosed.
