36 years after Sam Okwaraji U-16 Football Champion debuts

By Jude Opara, Abuja

36 years after his death, arrangements have been concluded for the commencement of the Sam Okwaraji U-16 Football Champion for senior secondary schools across Nigeria.

Former Super Eagles player, Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji slumped and died on August 12th, 1989 during a world cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Angola at the National Stadium, Surulere Lagos.

Addressing a world press conference ahead of the championship, Chairman of the tournament, Sen. Osita Izunaso said Okwaraji was a national icon who passed on while defending the integrity of the country.

Izunaso who represents Imo West Senatorial District in the National Assembly said the sporting event is of monumental purpose, designed and named in honour of one of Nigeria’s most selfless and deserving patriots.

“You will recall that exactly about this time 36 years ago, we lost an icon, a rare gem, a patriot, a believer in the Nigerian Project while playing for our dear country during a world cup qualifier against Angola. It was indeed a dark day for our dear country.

“Late Dr. Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji was not only a brilliant 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 generations to come that true greatness is in service, not self”.

Also speaking at the occasion, former Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. Amos Adamu who praised the organizers of the tournament said, notwithstanding that it has taken 36 years after the death of Okwaraji, it is still good to remember him with a championship for upcoming Nigerians.

Adamu said while those who knew him will quickly remember what happened to him, those who were born after the incident will equally come to know about him and his patriotism in defending the integrity and interest of Nigeria.

He also advised the organizers to try to keep the tournament going, adding that if properly managed, it could be merged with the Secondary Schools Football Championship and consequently taken over by the federal government.

In their separate reactions, two former teammates of Okwaraji who were also on the pitch with him on that fateful day, Austin Eguavoen and Samson Siasia said the tournament is a worthy initiative that should be embraced and encouraged.

While Eguavoen promised that most of the former teammates of Okwaraji will be part of the championship slated to kickoff on November 12, Siasia who was the first player that responded to Okwaraji when he collapsed, said the player would not have died if he was playing in the present times.

Meanwhile, giving more insight into the championship, Izunaso who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market said there will be Zonal competitions where two teams are expected to emerge each of the six zones. Subsequently, the 12 teams will now converge on Abuja where they will play in a mini league format for the overall champion to emerge.

He also assured that he will ensure that there is transparency, fairness and merit in the organization of the championship.

“As the Chairman I will do the following and more with your cooperation: Ensure transparency, fairness, and meritocracy in the selection and participation processes.

“Work with national and international football stakeholders, including the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Ministry of Sports, global scouts, and development partners”.

The senator also promised to lobby for legislative and policy support for grassroots sports development across Nigeria, especially in rural and underserved communities.