The director-general of National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu has described legendary Super Eagles’ midfielder, Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji as a reference for role models who grassroots footballers should emulate.
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Sports247 reports that Shaibu gave the assertion while speaking in Abuja during the formal unveiling of the maiden FirstBank Sam Okwaraji U-16 Secondary Schools Football Championship, tagged Memoir Cup 2026.
Shaibu urged young players to imbibe commitment, as he hailed the exemplary zeal and diligence that Okwaraji showed in playing for Nigeria, until he met his untimely death during a World Cup qualifier against Angola at Lagos National Stadium.
While reflecting on the life and legacy of Okwaraji, the former Edo State deputy governor also urged Nigerian youths to live with total discipline and purpose that will positively impact social development and be worthy of national pride.
He also noted the importance of education for life after active sports careers, noting that Okwaraji successfully combined academics with football, but some former athletes struggle to make ends meet due to lack of proper planning.
Shaibu urged Nigerians in general to look inward rather than constantly blame political leaders, asding: “You cannot have someone like Samuel Okwaraji as a reference point and still be searching for role models in Nigerian sports.
“Our collective efforts will make Nigeria great. We must stop blaming the President, governors, and other leaders without asking ourselves what we are contributing to the development of this country.
“We must set standards for ourselves if this country must move forward. Some of our former sportsmen have become gatekeepers because they had no exit plans. This is not the future we desire for our athletes.”
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