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Sen. Izunaso chairs steering committee
From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Senate Committee on Sports Development has thrown its weight behind the annual Sam Okwaraji Under-16 All Nigeria Secondary Schools Soccer Championship, recently approved by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The committee expressed its support when it received the Steering Committee of the tournament at the National Assembly in Abuja.
At the meeting, Sen. Osita Izunaso (Imo West) emerged as the chairman of the Steering Committee for the maiden edition of the championship, which is being organised to honour the late Nigerian football legend, Sam Okwaraji.
The secretary of the committee, Mr. Achonwa Chidozie, stated that their visit to the Senate was part of efforts to seek endorsement and financial backing from key stakeholders.
“We are here to rally support for this initiative, which is not just about football but also about honouring a true national hero, Sam Okwaraji, who died while playing for the Super Eagles during a World Cup qualifier against Angola in 1989,” Achonwa said.
He lamented that the promises made by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida to immortalise Okwaraji were never fulfilled and, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu to support the initiative to boost grassroots football development and national unity.
“This annual championship will not only unite Nigerian youths through football but also serve as a platform to discover talents for national teams like the Under-17 squad. It is competitions like these that produced notable ex-internationals like Henry Nwosu and Samson Siasia,” he added.
Achonwa also highlighted that the tournament would instil a sense of patriotism and selfless service in young Nigerians, citing Okwaraji’s dedication to the national team as an inspiration.
Another member of the delegation, Dr. Okechukwu Duru, called on state governors, corporate organisations, and wealthy individuals to support the competition.
“This is a noble initiative that will not only develop football but also give young Nigerians opportunities to showcase their talents on a bigger stage,” Duru said.
Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, Sen. Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), praised the NFF under Ibrahim Gusau for approving the competition.
“The Senate is fully in support of this championship, and we will engage with relevant stakeholders, including the National Sports Commission, to ensure its success,” Ningi assured.
He also expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s administration, with its strong focus on youth development, would back the initiative.
In his remarks, Sen. Izunaso reaffirmed his commitment to the success of the championship.
“I had no hesitation in accepting to chair this committee because Okwaraji was from my senatorial district. I will do everything within my capacity to ensure this competition succeeds,” Izunaso stated.
Sen. Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), another member of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, also pledged his support, stressing the importance of immortalising Okwaraji while promoting football in Nigeria.
The visit ended with the decoration of the three senators—Abdul Ningi, Osita Izunaso, and Tony Nwoye—as patrons of the Sam Okwaraji Foundation.
