From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja Over 36 years after the death of Super Eagles midfielder, Dr Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, an Under-16 national football tournament in his remembrance will kick off on November 8. Organisers of the tournament disclosed at a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, August 12, that though the late Okwaraji may not benefit from the initiative, thousands of young Nigerians will have the opportunity to showcase their football talents and bring glory to the country. Chairman of the Organising Committee and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market, Senator Osita Izunaso, who made the disclosure, noted that they are intentionally creating a platform for young Nigerians from all backgrounds to come together, compete, become friends, and dream together through the tournament. The Senator, representing Imo West Senatorial District, said: “In honouring him, we remind ourselves and generations to come that true greatness is in service, not self. Okwaraji was a brilliant footballer and scholar who left an indelible mark on Nigerian sports. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of his exceptional achievements.” On the tournament, he said: “On November 8, this year, we will kick off this fantastic journey, bringing together young talents from across the nation. I also pledge that as long as God gives us the enablement, this tournament will be an annual event which Nigerians will look forward to every year in line with approval given by the Nigeria Football Federation.” Present at the press briefing were the former Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr Amos Adamu, NFF Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen, Nigeria ex-international, Samson Siasia, a representative of the NSC, and the younger sister of the late Sam Okwaraji, among others. Speaking at the event, Siasia described Okwaraji’s death as a careless one, arguing that he would not have died if there had been proper medical attention, especially a well-equipped ambulance. He recalled that he was the nearest player to him when he fell, stressing that it was an avoidable death. On his part, Eguavoen promised to hunt for talents to feed the underage youth national teams, while Adamu appealed to sponsors to support the commendable tournament.