Winners have emerged across southern states in the First Bank Sam Okwaraji Nigeria Secondary Schools Football Championship as preparations intensify for decisive state finals.
themomentng reports that preliminary matches were concluded across southern Nigeria during the week, with the fixtures ending on Saturday.
In Imo, Isu High School defeated Green Uzo Comprehensive Secondary School to emerge champions of the Orlu Zone after an impressive campaign.
Government College, Owerri had earlier secured the Owerri Zone title to qualify for the state championship.
St Dominic Secondary School, Isiala Mbano also defeated St Theresa Secondary School, Obowo 1-0 to emerge champions of the Okigwe Zone.
The Imo champion will be determined through a final contest involving Isu High School, Government College, Owerri and St Dominic Secondary School, Isiala Mbano.
In Akwa Ibom, Ibiono Ibom South Secondary School, Ikpedip defeated Uyo High School 3-2 to claim the state championship
The victory earned Ibiono Ibom South Secondary School the right to represent Akwa Ibom at the zonal stage of the championship
In Enugu State, St. Theresa’s College, Nsukka and Day Secondary School booked places in the state final after impressive semi-final victories.
St. Theresa’s College edged Embodied Love Secondary School 1-0, with a second-half goal deciding a closely fought encounter.
Day Secondary School produced a commanding performance to defeat Uwani Secondary School 2-0, scoring once in each half to secure qualification.
The two schools will contest the Enugu State final, with the winner advancing to represent the state at the zonal stage.
In Anambra, Community Secondary School, Okpuno and Community Secondary School, Amawbia qualified for the state final.
The winner of the Anambra final will progress to the zonal competition as the state’s representative.
NAN reports that the championship was organised to sustain the legacy of Samuel Okwaraji while providing a platform to discover and nurture young football talents across Nigeria.
Organisers said the competition was designed to promote grassroots football development and inspire secondary school students through organised sporting activities.
They added that the championship reflected the enduring legacy of Okwaraji by encouraging discipline, teamwork and excellence among young footballers nationwide.
