FirstBank, West Africa’s premier bank and leading financial inclusion service provider, has announced its sponsorship of the inaugural Samuel Okwaraji Under 16 Football Championship, a nationwide youth football tournament in honour of the late Samuel Okwaraji, celebrated for his patriotism, discipline, and commitment to national service.
The tournament will feature secondary schools from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, structured in two stages: zonal eliminations across six geopolitical zones and a national final in Abuja, showcasing the top 12 qualifying teams.
Beyond football, the event will include cultural displays, memorial lectures, and talent scouting opportunities by national team coaches, blending sporting excellence with social impact.
Speaking on the sponsorship, FirstBank’s Managing Director and CEO Olusegun Alebiosu said:
“Football is the strongest unifier of Nigerians. It brings communities together, inspires discipline, and nurtures talents across the country. FirstBank is creating an enabling environment for the next generation of Samuel Okwarajis to discover, refine, and maximise their potential, shaping the future of Nigerian football.”
Senator Osita Izunaso, Chairman of the Championship Organising Committee, commended FirstBank, noting its longstanding legacy in Nigerian sports and urging other corporates to emulate its commitment to youth development.
Through its First@Sports initiative, FirstBank has actively promoted football and sports across Nigeria, including ownership of the Elephant Boys Football Team in the Nigerian National League and the Elephant Girls Basketball Club. The bank has also supported major events such as the National Sports Festival, South-West Youth Games, Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship, Lagos Amateur Golf Open, and the Georgian Polo Cup.
The sponsorship of the Samuel Okwaraji U-16 Tournament underscores FirstBank’s dedication to national unity, community empowerment, and youth development, fostering a new generation of sporting talent in Nigeria.
