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Nationwide youth tournament engages secondary schools from 36 states and FCT, honoring football legend known for patriotism and discipline.
FirstBank, the premier bank in West Africa and a leading financial inclusion service provider, has announced its sponsorship of the maiden edition of the Samuel Okwaraji Under-16 Football Championship, a nationwide youth football tournament honoring one of Nigeria’s most celebrated football legends.
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The tournament is designed to discover and nurture young football talent across the country while celebrating Okwaraji’s enduring legacy of patriotism, discipline, and commitment to national service.
Tournament Format: From Zonal Eliminations to National Final
The championship will engage secondary schools from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in a two-stage competition:
| Stage | Format |
|---|---|
| Zonal Eliminations | Matches across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones |
| National Final | Top 12 qualifying teams compete in Abuja |
The event will also feature:
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Cultural displays celebrating Nigerian heritage
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Memorial lectures honoring Samuel Okwaraji’s legacy
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Talent scouting opportunities by national team coaches
This structure ensures a blend of sporting excellence, cultural celebration, and tangible social impact.
FirstBank’s Commitment to Grassroots Football Development
Speaking on the sponsorship, Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, said:
“Football is the strongest unifier of Nigerians. It brings communities together, inspires discipline, and nurtures talents across the country. FirstBank is making a deliberate incursion into grassroots football development with this sponsorship, creating an enabling environment for the next generation of Samuel Okwarajis to discover, refine, and maximise their potential, thereby shaping the future of Nigerian football.”
Senator Izunaso Commends FirstBank’s Leadership
Senator Osita Izunaso, Chairman of the Championship Organising Committee, commended FirstBank for its commitment to the tournament:
“FirstBank’s legacy predates modern Nigerian football. The bank has once again shown that true corporate leadership lies in nation building. We thank FirstBank for their participation in this championship and we hope that other corporates will take a leaf and provide an enabling environment for young ones to thrive in education through sports.”
First@Sports: A Legacy of Sporting Excellence
Through its First@Sports initiative, FirstBank has sustained an unbroken role in promoting the development of football and sports across Nigeria. The Bank’s sporting portfolio includes:
- Elephant Boys Football Team – Currently competing in the Nigerian National League
- Elephant Girls Basketball Club – A prominent force in Nigerian basketball
Longstanding Sporting Sponsorships
FirstBank has supported numerous youth-oriented and sporting initiatives over decades:
| Sponsorship | Duration |
|---|---|
| National Sports Festival | Ongoing |
| South-West Youth Games | Ongoing |
| Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship | 35 years |
| Lagos Amateur Golf Open Championship | 65 years |
| Georgian Polo Cup | 105 years |
Honoring Samuel Okwaraji’s Legacy
The late Samuel Okwaraji remains one of Nigeria’s most revered football icons, remembered for his extraordinary patriotism, discipline, and sacrifice. He collapsed and died while playing for Nigeria against Angola in a World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium in Lagos in 1989, becoming a symbol of national devotion.
FirstBank’s sponsorship of the U-16 tournament named in his honor ensures that his legacy continues to inspire future generations of Nigerian footballers.
A Commitment to National Unity and Youth Development
The Bank’s sponsorship of the Samuel Okwaraji U-16 Tournament underscores its broader commitment to:
- National unity through sports
- Empowering communities across all 36 states and the FCT
- Fostering youth development by creating pathways for young talents
By investing in grassroots football, FirstBank is helping to shape the future of Nigerian football while honoring a legend whose name remains synonymous with selfless service to the nation.
