The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially approved the Sam Okwaraji Secondary Schools Soccer Championship, a nationwide grassroots football tournament aimed at honouring the late Nigerian football legend, Sam Okwaraji.
This annual competition is an initiative of the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation, endorsed by the Senate Committee on Sports Development, chaired by Senator Abdul Ningi. It serves to immortalise Okwaraji, who tragically died in August 1989 while playing for Nigeria during a World Cup qualifier against Angola at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
In a letter signed by Ruth David, Acting Director of Competitions, the NFF noted that the initiative aligns with its vision to enhance youth engagement and football development across the country. The federation commended the Foundation’s dedication to nurturing talent at the grassroots level and highlighted the championship’s potential to significantly impact young Nigerians.
The NFF also urged organisers to strictly follow FIFA’s football regulations throughout the competition, which is scheduled to commence later this year.
Okwaraji, educated in Rome and remembered for his patriotic dedication to the national team, remains a symbol of selfless service and inspiration for generations of Nigerian youth.
