The FirstBank Sam Okwaraji U-16 Secondary Schools Football Championship (Memoir Cup), has been unveiled as a strategic grassroots initiative aimed at discovering young talents capable of representing Nigeria at the U-17 World Cup.
The tournament, approved by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and organised by the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation with support from First Bank of Nigeria, will bring together secondary school teams from across the country in a nationwide competition.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, described the competition as a vital pipeline for nurturing future football stars.
He explained that the championship also aims to immortalise the legacy of Samuel Okwaraji, remembered as a symbol of patriotism and excellence.
Corporate backing from FirstBank will provide full logistical support, including kits, accommodation, medical services, officiating, and certificates for participants.
The competition is scheduled to kick off on May 16, 2026, marking 37 years since the death of the late Super Eagles midfielder who died while on national duty.
In his remarks, Managing Director of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, said the bank's involvement reflects a deliberate investment in youth development and nation-building.
Alebiosu said: "This is more than football, it is about shaping character, building resilience and creating future leaders."
He noted, while urging more corporate bodies to support grassroots sports.
Founder of the initiative and Senator representing Imo West, Osita Izunaso, assured that the competition would maintain strict integrity standards, including age verification and proper officiating.
He emphasised that the championship is more than a football tournament. It is a platform where "the classroom builds the mind, and the pitch builds character."
Also speaking, Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu, said the initiative honours a national hero and inspires young Nigerians to balance academics with athletics.
Shaibu said: "We were all in the comfort of our homes when we heard the sad news of his death while serving Nigeria at the international level. You cannot have someone like Samuel Okwaraji as a reference point and still be searching for role models in Nigerian sports."
The tournament will feature zonal preliminaries across Nigeria's geopolitical zones, culminating in a grand finale in Abuja with the top 12 school teams.
Awards will recognise outstanding performance, including best player, top scorer, and best goalkeeper, alongside honours for integrity and sportsmanship on and off the pitch.