FirstBank Nigeria has announced its sponsorship of the maiden edition of the Samuel Okwaraji Under-16 Football Championship, a nationwide schools tournament aimed at nurturing young talents while promoting education through sports.

FirstBank Nigeria, one of West Africa’s leading financial institutions, has thrown its weight behind grassroots football development with the sponsorship of the inaugural Samuel Okwaraji U-16 Football Championship.

The nationwide tournament, organised in honour of late Nigerian football icon Samuel Okwaraji, is designed to celebrate his legacy of patriotism, discipline, and commitment to national service, while providing a platform for emerging football talents across the country.

According to the organisers, the competition will feature secondary schools from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It will be held in two phases, beginning with zonal eliminations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, before culminating in a national final in Abuja where 12 top teams will compete for honours.

Beyond football, the championship will incorporate cultural displays, memorial lectures, and talent scouting sessions by national team coaches, offering participants a well-rounded developmental experience.

Speaking on the initiative, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Olusegun Alebiosu, described football as a powerful tool for national unity and youth empowerment.

“Football is the strongest unifier of Nigerians. It brings communities together, inspires discipline, and nurtures talents across the country,” he said, adding that the bank’s investment in grassroots football is aimed at helping young players discover and maximise their potential.

Chairman of the Championship Organising Committee, Osita Izunaso, commended FirstBank for its commitment to youth development and nation-building through sports. He noted that the bank’s longstanding legacy aligns with the objectives of the championship.

“FirstBank’s legacy predates modern Nigerian football. This sponsorship demonstrates true corporate leadership in nation-building, and we hope other organisations will follow suit,” Izunaso stated.

The sponsorship is part of FirstBank’s broader First@Sports initiative, through which the bank has consistently supported sports development in Nigeria. The institution owns the Elephant Boys Football Team, currently competing in the Nigerian National League, as well as the FirstBank Basketball Club, popularly known as the “Elephant Girls.”

Over the years, FirstBank has also backed several youth and sporting events, including the National Sports Festival, South-West Youth Games, Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship, Lagos Amateur Golf Open Championship, and the Georgian Polo Cup.

Industry observers say the bank’s support for the Samuel Okwaraji U-16 Championship reinforces its commitment to youth empowerment, community development, and the promotion of education through sports.