The Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Sports have pledged their full support for the upcoming Sam Okwaraji National U-16 Football Tournament, aimed at promoting grassroots football among Nigerian secondary school students.
This commitment was made during a recent visit by the organisers of the championship to the National Assembly in Abuja.
Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, alongside Deputy Chairman Hon. Mohammed Buba Jajere and Hon. Adamu Hashimu, welcomed the delegation. He commended them for choosing to honour the late football legend, Sam Okwaraji, who died on the pitch in 1989 while playing for Nigeria.
“I’m happy that this tournament is being organised by patriotic Nigerians to honour a football icon whose sacrifice for the country should not be forgotten. As a committee, we will give full support to ensure the tournament is successful,” Hon. Amadu said.
Leader of the delegation, Mr. Chidozie Achonwa, who also serves as Secretary of the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation, explained that the tournament aims to promote unity among youths and encourage football development at the grassroots level.
He noted that the foundation was seeking both moral and financial support from the lawmakers to make the event successful. He assured the committee of transparency in planning and execution.
Others on the delegation included Dr. Okechukwu Duru, Stella Agu, and Chiamaka Chinaka. They thanked the lawmakers for their dedication to sports development in Nigeria.
The tournament is expected to kick off in August with zonal qualifiers across the six geopolitical zones. Two teams from each zone will qualify for the final stage of the competition.
Former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia and NFF Second Vice President Chief Anyansi Agwu also sent goodwill messages in support of the event.
A giant trophy was presented to the committee members during the visit as a symbol of the competition’s vision and importance.
