Sports
36 Years After, Sam Okwaraji U-16 National Secondary School Soccer Championship Kicks Off Nov. 8th
Joel Ajayi
The maiden edition of the Sam Okwaraji Under-16 Annual All Nigeria Secondary School Soccer Championship will officially commence on November 8, 2025, bringing together promising young footballers from across the country to honour one of Nigeria’s most iconic sports heroes.
Organised by the Sam Okwaraji Foundation under the theme “Patriotism, Education and Soccer”, the tournament celebrates the life and legacy of the late Super Eagles midfielder, Dr. Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji.
The competition aims to discover, nurture, and promote grassroots football talent while instilling discipline, patriotism, and sportsmanship among secondary school students.
Speaking at a media briefing, Senator Osita B. Izunaso, Chairman of the Championship Organising Committee, said the initiative will not only provide young players with a national platform to showcase their skills but also keep alive the memory of Okwaraji, who tragically collapsed and died during a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos, on August 12, 1989.
“Exactly 36 years ago, we lost an icon, a rare gem, a believer in the Nigerian project. That day was a dark moment for our country. Dr. Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji was not only a gifted footballer but a symbol of patriotism, sacrifice, and national pride.
He died wearing the green-white-green, giving his last breath on the field of play. In honouring him, we remind ourselves and future generations that true greatness lies in service, not in self,” Senator Izunaso said.
He stressed that the championship will: Ensure transparency, fairness, and meritocracy in team selection and participation. Serve as a platform to unearth hidden football talents from across Nigeria’s towns and villages. Provide mentorship, career guidance, and exposure to professional football opportunities.
The tournament format will see one secondary school per state compete at the zonal level, with two teams from each zone qualifying to make up 12 national finalists. These teams will then go into camp to compete for the trophy at the national finals.
The debut edition will feature teams from all 36 states of the federation and the FCT. Matches will be staged at designated centres nationwide, culminating in a grand finale at a venue to be announced.
Beyond the football matches, the programme will include mentorship sessions, career development workshops, and football clinics led by former Nigerian internation
Sports
Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.
NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.
Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.
In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.
Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.
He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.
Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.
The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.
He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.
Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.
He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.
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