Sports
37 Years After FirstBank Unveils Sam Okwaraji, Secondary School Championship
Joel Ajayi
In commemoration of 37 years of the enduring legacy of Sam Okwaraji, FirstBank has unveiled a nationwide secondary school football championship aimed at nurturing young talents and promoting grassroots sports development.
The FirstBank Sam Okwaraji U-16 Championship was officially launched in Abuja, marking a significant step toward sustaining the memory of the late Nigerian football icon while creating opportunities for the next generation of players.
Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, described the initiative as a strategic platform to discover and groom young footballers who can represent Nigeria at the U-17 World Cup.
Speaking during the unveiling at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Olopade noted that the championship, endorsed by the Nigeria Football Federation, Nigeria School Sports Federation, NSC and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, has already attracted wide support from key stakeholders in the sports sector.
Organised by the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation, the competition is designed to promote patriotism, education, and youth development through football, while immortalising the legacy of a national hero.
Born on May 19, 1964, Sam Okwaraji was not only an accomplished international footballer but also a lawyer with a master’s degree in international law. He tragically died on August 12, 1989, after collapsing during a World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos—an incident that has since become a defining moment in Nigeria’s football history.
Olopade commended Osita Izunaso for sustaining Okwaraji’s legacy through the foundation, noting that his story continues to inspire unity, patriotism, and sacrifice among young Nigerians.
“Okwaraji’s legacy transcends generations and remains a powerful symbol of national pride. This championship will impact millions of youths across the country,” he said.
He further highlighted reforms at the National Institute for Sports in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that sports is now being recognised as a key contributor to Nigeria’s GDP under the RHINSE initiative.
Olopade also urged corporate organisations to emulate FirstBank’s commitment to grassroots sports development.
In his remarks, Izunaso described the championship as a strong developmental platform for young footballers nationwide, assuring that participating schools would receive full support, including logistics, accommodation, medical services, officiating, and security.
“Integrity is the foundation of this championship. We will ensure strict compliance with age verification and officiating standards,” he said, while calling on governments to invest in sports infrastructure and security.
Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria, Olusegun Alebiosu, who was represented by Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank Olayinka Ijabiyi, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to youth development through sports.
“This project aligns with our vision of nation-building. It will not only discover talents but also instil discipline and character in young athletes,” he stated.
Also speaking, President of the Nigeria School Sports Federation, Olabisi Joseph, stressed the importance of combining academics with sports development.
“School sports must blend education with physical growth. The maiden edition will be held nationwide and will feature only boys,” she said.
The championship is expected to serve as a pipeline for future national team stars, ensuring that the spirit and sacrifice of Sam Okwaraji continue to inspire and shape Nigeria’s football future.
Sports
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
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