The Senator representing Imo West at the National Assembly Sen. Osita Izunaso has explained that the First Sam Okwaraji Secondary Schools Football championship in Nigeria sponsored by First Bank Nigeria, will immortalize the late player who played for the love his country.
Speaking at a press briefing in Owerri, Sen. Izunaso, represented by Achonwa Chidozie the Secretary, organizing Committee said that the Senator who doubled as the Chairman Steering Committee of the 2026 said that the competition is meant to honor the memory of true patriot and a national team player who gave his all and died in active service to the Green white green on August 12, 1989.
He pointed out that the championship is been organised by the Samuel Okwarahi Foundation in collaboration with the Nigerian School Sports Federation, the Nigerian Football Federation and the National Sports Commission.
On the commencement of the championship which was zone for Northern preliminaries and Southern preliminaries, the Senator said that the Northern states preliminaries have already commenced on Friday. 26th June 2026 while the Southern States will start on Wednesday,1st July, 2026.
He disclosed that all participating schools across the country have been duly communicated through the State Ministry of Education and the School Sports Federation. Saying that fixtures, venues , eligibility, and guidelines will be released by the respective state committees.
He also said that each zones is expected to produce champions that will participate in the final match where the champion will emerge
The Senator also explained that beyond competition, players will gain exposure to scouts, coaching education, mentorship and chance to balance academics with sports just as Sam Okwaraji did.
Sen. Izunaso further said that the preliminaries will ignite grassroots activity , revive school sports structures and help states discover and nurture the next generation of Football talent from the grassroots.
He paid special tribute to the Okwaraji family of Umudioka Community in Orlu LGA of Imo State, for producing a football legend and patriotic, and commended the National Institute for Sports led by Conrade Philip Shuaibu for his dedication to sports development and capacity building.
The Senator also extended his appreciation to the chairmen and members of both the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Sports Development for their support and commitment to youth and sports development programmes.
He as well thanked the Imo State Government under the able leadership of Sen. Hope Uzodimma for his commitment to the success of the initiative and for standing with them to immortalise one of their illustrious sons.
In a remark, the Imo State Commissioner for Sports Devopment, Hon Ecarestus Obinna Onyeocha, represented by Comr. GOC Nwadike thanked the organizers of the tournament for their commitment, and affirmed the endorsement of the Ministry of Sports in the state , adding that the Ministry has no option than to align with the completion.
He assured that the Ministry will partiner with the organizer’s to ensure that it was successful.
