FirstBank/Samuel Okwaraji Cup: Ondo, Ogun, Imo and Abia Lead Finalists

Posted : 09 November 2026

Twelve secondary schools have secured qualification for the national finals of the inaugural FirstBank/Samuel Okwaraji Championship following the conclusion of the zonal qualifiers across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.

The competition, sponsored by FirstBank Plc, brought together young football talents from different parts of the country, providing secondary school students with an opportunity to compete and showcase their abilities.

At the Lagos centre, which hosted the South-West qualifiers, Ondo and Ogun emerged as the two representatives for the national finals. The competition featured four states, including hosts Lagos and Oyo.

Ondo finished top of the standings with seven points from three matches, remaining unbeaten throughout the competition. Ogun claimed the second qualification spot after recording victories over Lagos and Oyo.

However, Ondo produced an impressive performance in their final encounter, defeating Ogun 2-0 to finish as zonal champions. The victory pushed Ogun into second place, while Lagos settled for third with four points. Oyo finished bottom without recording a point.

Imo and Abia secure South-East tickets

At the South-East centre in Owerri, Imo and Abia secured the two available places following their performances at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

Ezeachi Secondary School, Orlu, representing Imo State, delivered an outstanding campaign, winning all three matches to finish with nine points.

The school completed its perfect run with a 1-0 victory over Ebonyi's Estington Academy International School, Orueke. Ezeachi had earlier defeated Enugu and Abia to establish its dominance in the competition.

Abia's Community Secondary School, Aba, secured the second qualification ticket after defeating Saint Theresa College, Nsukka, 2-1 in their decisive encounter.

The victory completed an impressive recovery for Abia, which had suffered a 1-0 defeat against eventual group winners Imo in its second match. The team had opened its campaign with a 2-1 victory over Ebonyi before securing qualification with its final-day success.

Delta and Rivers complete Southern qualification

Meanwhile, Delta and Rivers emerged as the two successful teams at the Calabar centre, which hosted the South-South zonal qualifiers.

Delta State finished as champions with 10 points, while Rivers secured second position with seven points. Both teams earned their places in the national finals after impressive performances throughout the competition.

Six other schools had previously secured qualification from the Northern zones, completing the 12-team lineup for the national championship.

The tournament is organised in collaboration with the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation and the Nigeria School Sport Federation, with the National Sports Commission also supporting the initiative.

The competition honours the memory of former Super Eagles midfielder Samuel Okwaraji, who collapsed and died while representing Nigeria during a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Angola on August 12, 1989.

Beyond celebrating his legacy, the championship seeks to promote grassroots football, encourage academic development and identify promising young players across Nigeria.

The national finals are scheduled to take place in Lagos later in November, bringing together the 12 qualified schools to compete for the inaugural championship title.

FirstBank/Samuel Okwaraji Cup: Ondo, Ogun, Imo and Abia Lead Finalists

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