Sports
FirstBank/Okwaraji Foundation U-16 Schools Championship Unveils Zonal Qualifiers Schedule
The zonal qualifiers of the 2026 edition of the FirstBank/Samuel Okwaraji Foundation Under-16 National All Secondary Schools Championship will be played from September 19 to 24, 2026 for Northern teams, and 25th to 30th September 2026 for the Southern teams.
The championship, which has witnessed states elimination rounds across the country, has rekindled excitement among secondary school students, young football talents and football enthusiasts.
Organised by the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), the competition is sponsored by FirstBank, with the Foundation’s Steering Committee chaired by Senator Osita Izunaso.
According to the organisers, the states elimination series was conducted across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The state phase ran from June 26 to July 5, with champions from the respective states progressing to the zonal stage. The outstanding teams from the states competitions will converge on Abuja, Kano and Bauchi for the Northern Zone elimination and Lagos , Asaba and Owerri for Southern zonal eliminations .
The organisers said the championship, which is exclusively designed for secondary school students, has contributed significantly to grassroots football development by providing young players with a platform to showcase their abilities in a competitive environment.
They added that several promising talents have already been identified during the various stages of the competition, with plans to recommend outstanding players to relevant football authorities and development programmes for further exposure and opportunities.
Beyond football development, the championship also serves as a tribute to the memory and legacy of late Nigerian football star Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, who died on August 12, 1989, while representing Nigeria in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Angola at the National Stadium in Lagos.
The organisers said the competition is intended to preserve Okwaraji’s legacy while using football as a tool for youth development, talent discovery and national integration.
Sports
YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display
Joel Ajayi
Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.
The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.
Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.
The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.
The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.
The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.
Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.
Final Score
Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)
The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.
Key Performers
Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls
Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls
Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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