House of Representatives have expressed its support for the upcoming inaugural Sam Okwaraji National U-16 football tournament for secondary schools across the country.
The House Committee on Sports made this commitment during a recent meeting with members of the organising committee of the championship at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, accompanied by his Deputy, Hon. Mohammed Buba Jajere, and committee member Hon. Adamu Hashimu, praised the initiative to honour the late Super Eagles player who passed away while representing the country. He assured the organising committee that the committee would provide all necessary assistance to ensure a successful competition.
“I am pleased that this tournament is being organised by patriotic Nigerians to honour a football icon whose dedication and sacrifice have often been overlooked since his untimely death more than thirty years ago while wearing the national colours,” he stated.
“As a committee tasked with ensuring the proper positioning of sports in our country, we will support this tournament as it will contribute to grassroots football development. I encourage you to remain steadfast in your efforts to ensure that the championship takes place as scheduled,” he added.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, who is also the Secretary of the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation, Chidozie Achonwa, stated that they were in the Council Chambers to seek the moral and financial support of the committee for the tournament. He emphasised that this event would not only aid grassroots football development but also foster good relationships among participants from various states of the Federation.
Achonwa, who was accompanied by Dr Okechukwu Duru, Stella Agu, and Chiamaka Chinaka, commended the committee for their diligence in overseeing the sports sector and assured them of transparency from the organisers.
Goodwill messages were also sent by Chief Anyansi Agwu, the second Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, and former Super Eagles Coach Samson Siasia.
The Sam Okwaraji Memorial Tournament is set to commence in August, featuring zonal competitions in all six geopolitical zones of the country. Ultimately, two teams from each zone will qualify for a round-robin tournament.
A highlight of the visit was the presentation of a giant trophy for the competition to the House Committee members.
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