Okwaraji Under 16 Soccer Championship Unveils in Abuja, Set to Kicks off November 8, Across the Country-Organizers Announced
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) The much awaited maiden edition of Sam Okwaraji Under 16 Annual all Secondary School Soccer Championship is here, as the organisers of the event has announced November, 8, 2025 as the commencement date for the competition. The competition is aimed to discover, nurture, and promote grassroots football talent while instilling discipline, patriotism, and sportsmanship among secondary school students.
Announcing the commencement date of the championship,at a world press conference held on Tuesday, August 12, at the media center of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, the chairman of the organising committee, a serving senator of the 10th Senate, Osita Izunaso said the championship will bring together promising young footballers from across the country to honour one of Nigeria’s most iconic sports heroes.
Organised by the Sam Okwaraji Foundation under the theme “Patriotism, Education and Soccer”, the tournament celebrates the life and legacy of the late Super Eagles midfielder, Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, who died on active service for the nation.
Senator Izunaso, said the initiative will not only provide young players with a national platform to showcase their skills but also keep alive the memory of Okwaraji, who tragically collapsed and died during a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos, on August 12, 1989.
According to him, “Exactly 36 years ago, we lost an icon, a rare gem, a believer in the Nigerian project. That day was a dark moment for our country. Dr. Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji was not only a gifted footballer but a symbol of patriotism, sacrifice, and national pride.
“He died wearing the green-white-green, giving his last breath on the field of play. In honouring him, we remind ourselves and future generations that true greatness lies in service, not in self,” Izunaso insisted.
Being the chairman of the organising committee, the Senate committee chairman on capital market, Izunazo emphasized that the championship will: Ensure transparency, fairness, and meritocracy in team selection and participation. Serve as a platform to unearth hidden football talents from across Nigeria’s towns and villages. Provide mentorship, career guidance, and exposure to professional football opportunities.
The Format
A secondary school per state will compete at the zonal level, with two teams from each zone qualifying to make up 12 national finalists. These teams will then go into camp to compete for the trophy at the national stage for the winner to emerge.
This debut edition will feature teams from all 36 states of the federation and the FCT. Matches will be staged at designated centres nationwide, culminating in a grand finale at a venue to be announced.
Beyond the football matches, the programme will include mentorship sessions, career development workshops, and football clinics led by former Nigerian internationals.
On their part, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) represented by the director of Technical, Augustine Eguavoen reiterated its commitment to the success of the competition.
Meanwhile, the president of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Isaiah Benjamin represented by his secretary, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo pledged the readiness of sports journalists across the country to see to the success of the championship.
Benjamin said, SWAN will give the needed publicity to the competition in all levels of the game, noting that the move by the organisers for the championship is commendable and deserve the support of all Nigerians including the government.
