House of Reps backs maiden Sam Okwaraji U-16 championship
The House of Representatives Committee on Sports has pledged full support for the inaugural edition of the Sam Okwaraji National U-16 Football Championship, aimed at boosting youth football development in Nigeria.
The commitment was made at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, where committee members received the tournament’s organizing team. Led by Hon. Kabiru Amadu, alongside Deputy Hon. Mohammed Buba Jajere and Hon. Adamu Hashimu, the committee lauded the initiative as a fitting tribute to Okwaraji—who tragically died on national duty over three decades ago.
“This championship honors the legacy of a forgotten patriot whose sacrifice deserves remembrance,” Amadu stated. “As a sports-focused committee, we are dedicated to supporting efforts that enhance grassroots development. We’ll ensure the competition is held successfully.”
Chidozie Achonwa, Secretary of the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation and head of the visiting delegation, appealed for both moral and financial support. He emphasized that the tournament will unite students nationwide and deepen football at the youth level.
Joined by Dr. Okechukwu Duru, Stella Agu, and Chiamaka Chinaka, Achonwa also praised the committee’s proactive role in promoting sports. Transparency and excellence, he assured, will guide the organization of the event.
Goodwill messages poured in from NFF Second Vice President, Chief Anyansi Agwu, and former Super Eagles Coach Samson Siasia, expressing excitement for the championship’s potential.
Set to begin in August, the competition will feature zonal qualifiers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with top teams advancing to a final round-robin stage.
