By John Moses
A nationwide football tournament honouring late Nigerian international Sam Okwaraji has been approved by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), reinforcing the country’s commitment to grassroots football development.
The Sam Okwaraji Secondary Schools Soccer Championship, initiated by the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation, was also recently endorsed by the Nigerian Senate’s Committee on Sports Development. The annual event seeks to immortalise Okwaraji, who died aged 25 after collapsing during a World Cup qualifier against Angola on 12 August 1989 in Lagos.
In a formal correspondence signed by Ruth David, the Acting Director of Competitions, the NFF expressed strong support for the initiative, describing it as a “meaningful contribution to youth development and national football culture.”
The federation encouraged organisers to observe international football standards throughout the competition, highlighting the importance of structure and compliance in fostering young talent.
Slated to begin later this year, the championship will involve secondary schools from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, creating a platform for early talent identification and development.
Sam Okwaraji is widely admired not only for his footballing skills but also for his deep sense of patriotism. He famously balanced his sporting career with academic pursuits, holding a Master’s degree in law. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Nigerian athletes.
