By Ijeoma Okigbo
The Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) has commended the high standards recorded in the ongoing FirstBank/Samuel Okwaraji Foundation (SOF) National Secondary Schools Football Championship.
The NSSF Secretary-General, Oba Funsho Usman, said in a statement that the competition had significantly reduced the use of ineligible players and mercenaries through strict screening and monitoring mechanisms.
“We understand the challenges that have undermined many grassroots initiatives in the past, and we have taken deliberate steps to block loopholes and address such practices decisively,” he said.
Usman said that the federation, which serves as the technical partner for the competition, noted that processes put in place for the inaugural edition had ensured transparency and helped achieve the championship’s primary objective.
“The objective is discovering football talents in secondary schools across the country.”
The Secretary General also expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, noting that the championship was providing a credible platform for talented secondary school footballers to showcase their abilities.
According to him, state representatives have emerged across all the Northern states, covering the North-East, North-West and North-Central zones, while winners have also emerged in the South-East and South-South.
He added that the South-West states would conclude their finals this weekend.
“The state finals were staggered to ensure proper organisation and effective monitoring.
“As a national competition, adherence to established standards is essential.
“As technical partners, we are pleased with the high standards recorded in this inaugural edition.
“Our goal is to lay a solid foundation for future editions while ensuring that the right participants, within the eligible age bracket, are given the opportunity to be discovered,” Usman added.
The championship, also known as the Memoir Cup, is organised in honour of former Super Eagles midfielder Samuel Okwaraji.
Okwaraji collapsed and died on Aug. 12, 1989, while representing Nigeria in a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Angola in Lagos. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne