The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially endorsed the annual Sam Okwaraji Secondary Schools Soccer Championship, giving a major boost to grassroots football development in the country.
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The tournament, an initiative of the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation, also enjoys the backing of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, chaired by Senator Abdul Ningi.
Conceived to honour the memory of late Nigerian international footballer, Samuel Okwaraji, the competition aims to rekindle interest in youth football across secondary schools in Nigeria. Okwaraji, an Imo-born midfielder, tragically died in August 1989 at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, during a FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Angola.
In a letter addressed to the foundation and signed by Ruth David on behalf of the Acting Director of Competitions, the NFF stated that the endorsement was granted in recognition of the tournament’s potential to positively impact young participants and contribute meaningfully to the broader development of football in the country.
The maiden edition of the championship is scheduled to kick off later this year.