36 yrs after, NFF honours Sam Okwaraji with a tournament News

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36 yrs after, NFF honours Sam Okwaraji with a tournament

By Goodness Ndukuba, Awka on June 7, 2025

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has approved and endorsed an annual Sam Okwaraji Secondary Schools Soccer Championship.

The tournament which has already received the endorsement of the Sen. Abdul Ningi led Senate Committee on Sports Developments is an initiative of the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation.

It is being organized to immortalize the late Imo-born Nigerian international who slumped and died at National Stadium Surulere, Lagos in August 1998, during a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Angola and return grassroot football development in the country.

The maiden edition kicks off later this year.

Educated at an Italian University in Rome, Late Okwaraji”s commitment to the Nigeria national team symbolizes a true spirit of patriotism on the part of a Nigerian youth who prioritized service to his country above personal gains.

His exemplary conduct and service to the Super Eagles (then known as the Green Eagles) will continue to remain a model for the Nigerian youth even in more decades to come.

The NFF in a letter signed by Ruth David on behalf of the Acting Director, Competitions, and addressed to the Sam Okwaraji Foundation, said its endorsement of the tournament was in recognition of the objectives and goals of the championship which would not only impact positively on the youths who are the participants, but also the development of football in the country.

NFF also appreciated the desire of the organizers to use the championship to contribute to the growth and development of youth football in the country with all the benefits accruing from such a competition.

NFF therefore advised the organisers to stick to the extant rules of football which it is the governing authority.

Meanwhile the Coalition of Nigeria Youth Leaders has applauded Sen. Osita Izunaso representing Imo West senatorial district (Orlu Zone) where the late Sam Okwaraji hailed from, for his strong support for the planned national tournament.

The group also hailed the NFF for approving and endorsing the tournament.They also lauded the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Football Federation Chief Felix Anyansi for his role in ensuring the approval of the tournament and commitment to ensuring it’s success, describing him as a competent football administrator.

The youth leaders, who called on corporate organizations to support the initiative, commended the Nigeria Football Federation under the Ibrahim Gusau presidency for their foresight in approving the prestigious tournament.

The statement was signed by Ibem Goodluck, Adeyemo Adewale, Junaid Abubakar, Iniobong, President- General, Publicity Secretary, Secretary and Provost respectively.

The group highlighted the imperative to immortalise the football legend, saying: “Sam Okwaraji was an uncommon patriot who deserves to be so immortalized, but beyond that, Nigeria needs a return to such grassroot soccer programs that we used to have in the past.”

The group called on southeast leaders especially, the political leader to ensure the success of the tournament, notwithstanding the fact that the tournament is a pan-Nigeria football competition.

“It behoves more on political leaders from the south east led by the governors to ensure its success as it will resonate positively with youths from that zone…,” the group added.

They also called on the National Sports Commission and President Bola Tinubu to make it a national event since football has proved to be a strong uniting factor in the Nigeria, aside being a multi-billion dollar venture globally.

“Ex-International, Samson Siasia who coincidentally was Okwaraji ‘s team mate and the last person to speak with the late footballer before breathing his last, is another wonderful Nigerian whom we learnt, has been working round the clock to ensure the success of the tournament and we commend him for his effort…,” they concluded.

Source Daily Sports Nigeria

Posted June 7, 2025