By Victor Okoye
Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), says the FirstBank Sam Okwaraji U-16 Championship will discover talents for Nigeria’s U-17 World Cup team.
Olopade spoke at the unveiling of the maiden Memoir Cup at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on Monday.
The event, endorsed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), NSC and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), was held in Abuja.
The championship, organised by the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation, promotes patriotism, education and youth development through football.
Samuel Okwaraji, born May 19, 1964, was an international footballer and lawyer with a master’s degree in international law.
He died on Aug. 12, 1989, after collapsing during a World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos.
The championship seeks to immortalise his legacy and nurture disciplined young footballers nationwide.
Olopade praised Osita Izunaso for sustaining Okwaraji’s legacy through the foundation.
“Okwaraji’s legacy transcends generations and inspires unity, patriotism and sacrifice among young Nigerians,” he said.
He commended reforms at the National Institute for Sports, aligned with NSC’s vision and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“For the first time, sports is recognised as a major GDP contributor under President Tinubu’s RHINSE initiative to transform the sports industry.
“This event will impact millions of youths across the country,” Olopade said.
He urged corporate organisations to emulate FirstBank’s support for grassroots sports development.
“I look forward to talents emerging to represent Nigeria at the U-17 World Cup,” he said.
Izunaso described the championship as a strong developmental platform for young footballers nationwide.
“Participating schools will receive logistics, accommodation, medical services, officiating and security,” he said.
He urged corporate bodies to support sports development, stressing collective responsibility in nation-building. “National building requires collective effort,” he said.
Izunaso highlighted the media’s role in promoting the initiative and documenting emerging talents.
“You are interpreters of national memory and will tell stories of emerging talents,” he said.
He assured strict compliance with age verification and officiating standards. “Integrity is the foundation of this championship,” he said.
Izunaso called on governments to provide infrastructure and ensure security for sporting activities.
“This championship will inspire youths and strengthen national unity,” he said.
Philip Shaibu, Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, said the event honours a national icon.
“We are celebrating a legend and inspiring younger generations. It is time to reflect on our contributions to national development,” he said.
Shaibu said Okwaraji combined football with education and long-term planning. “He had a clear plan beyond his playing career,” he said.
He noted new programmes at the institute to guide athletes beyond active competition. “We prepare them for life after football and career transitions,” he said.
Managing Director of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, said the bank supports youth development through sports.
“This project aligns with our commitment to nation-building through sports.
“This championship will help discover talents and instil discipline,” Alebiosu said.
According to NSSF President, Olabisi Joseph, the event promotes both education and sports development.
“School sports must combine learning and physical development,” she said, adding that the maiden edition would be held nationwide and feature only boys.
Dignitaries included NFF General Secretary, Sanusi Mohammed, SWAN president, Isaiah Benjamin, and LOC Chairman, 2027 Africa School Games, Lekan Alabi. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
