Nigeria, March 31 -- A new grassroots football initiative aimed at discovering Nigeria's next generation of stars has been unveiled in Abuja, with organisers and key figures in the game expressing optimism that the competition will feed directly into the country's youth national teams.

The FirstBank Sam Okwaraji U-16 Championship, launched at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on Monday, is both a talent-discovery platform and a tribute to one of Nigeria's most revered football figures.

Speaking at the event, Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, said the tournament could play a crucial role in shaping the future of Nigerian football.

"I look forward to talents emerging to represent Nigeria at the U...