By VICTOR NWACHUKWU

Sen. Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West Senatorial District, has unveiled the maiden FirstBank Sam Okwaraji Nigeria Secondary Schools Football Championship in Imo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Izunaso, Chairman of the tournament’s Steering Committee, performed the unveiling at a brief ceremony in Owerri on Tuesday.

He was represented by the Secretary of the championship’s Organising Committee, Chidozie Achonwa.

Izunaso said the championship, sponsored by FirstBank, is organised by the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation in collaboration with the Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC).

“This competition is designed to honour the late Sam Okwaraji and celebrate his enduring legacy of patriotism, discipline and selfless service to the nation,” he said.

According to Izunaso, Okwaraji, who died while playing for Nigeria on Aug. 12, 1989, remains a symbol of commitment and sacrifice.

“Through this championship, we seek to immortalise his selflessness, patriotism, academic excellence, discipline and courage, while nurturing the next generation of football talents from the grassroots.

“Okwaraji was a lawyer, a scholar and a footballer who played for the love of his country, not for personal gain,” he said.

Izunaso commended the National Institute for Sports (NIS), led by Philip Shaibu, for its commitment to sports education, capacity building and grassroots sports development.

He also appreciated the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Sports Development, as well as the Imo Government, for supporting the initiative.

The lawmaker urged participating schools to use the championship as a platform to showcase their talents, promote school pride and gain national recognition.

Also speaking, the Imo Commissioner for Sports, Evaristus Onyeocha, assured the organisers of the state government’s support for the successful staging of the competition.

Similarly, the Director of School Sports in the Imo Ministry of Education, Joseph Achugamonu, said participating schools were carefully selected to ensure the best young talents represent the state at the zonal stage.

He advised the students to maximise the opportunity by displaying discipline, teamwork and excellence throughout the competition.

NAN reports that the preliminary matches for the southern states will begin on July 1, while those for the northern states commenced on June 26. (NAN)

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