KTC crowned Kano champions in Sam Okwaraji U-16 Schools Championship

Posted : 03 July 2026

Government College Kano (KTC) has secured the Kano State title in the maiden edition of the Samuel Okwaraji Under-16 National All Secondary Schools Championship after edging Government Secondary School, Gyadi-Gyadi 4-3 in a thrilling final.

The keenly contested encounter, played at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, attracted a large crowd of football enthusiasts who witnessed KTC emerge victorious to book a place in the zonal qualifiers scheduled for September.

The championship, sponsored by First Bank Plc and organised by the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation in collaboration with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), is designed to identify and develop young football talents from secondary schools across the country.

The tournament was held simultaneously in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with the 2026 edition focused on discovering gifted players and creating opportunities for them to secure careers with clubs both within Nigeria and abroad.

Reacting to the triumph, the Principal of Government College Kano, Comrade Abdu Usman Yaro, praised his students for their determination and impressive performance throughout the competition.

He assured that the school management would provide the necessary support to ensure the team is well prepared for the forthcoming zonal and national stages later in the year.

Yaro also commended Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his continued moral and financial support towards the development of sports in the state, noting that such commitment has contributed to the growth of grassroots sporting activities.

The Samuel Okwaraji Under-16 National All Secondary Schools Championship was established to honour the memory of late Nigerian international Samuel Okwaraji, who tragically collapsed and died on August 12, 1989, during a FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Angola at the National Stadium in Lagos.

The dramatic final highlights the immense footballing potential present within regional academic institutions when provided structured competitive platforms. With corporate backing and administrative synergy, the tournament successfully preserves a national sporting legacy while lifting local talent. KTC now transitions into the regional phase backed by robust administrative support, reinforcing Kano State's presence in elite youth development structures.

KTC crowned Kano champions in Sam Okwaraji U-16 Schools Championship

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