CSS Okpuno Clinch Anambra State Sam Okwaraji U-16 Qualifiers Title with 3-1 Victory Over CSS Amawbia
By Ndema Obinna Phamouzdj
Community Secondary School (CSS) Okpuno were crowned champions of the 2026 Anambra State Qualifiers of the Sam Okwaraji Under-16 Schools Football Championship after defeating Community Secondary School (CSS) Amawbia 3-1 in an entertaining final played at the St. John's Catholic Church Field, Okpuno, on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Backed by a vocal home crowd, CSS Okpuno produced another commanding performance to complete an unbeaten run through the tournament and secure the state's coveted schools football title. The champions displayed tactical discipline, attacking flair and defensive solidity, qualities that saw them emerge as the competition's standout team.
The road to the final was filled with exciting contests. The opening round saw CSS Urum defeat Abbot Boys Secondary School 3-1, while Willie Obiano Community Secondary School comfortably overcame CKC Umueri 2-0. CSS Achalla edged St. Kizito 1-0, and St. Jude Secondary School booked their place in the next round with a 2-1 victory over CSS Igboukwu.
The quarter-finals produced more impressive performances. CSS Okpuno underlined their title credentials with a resounding 4-0 demolition of St. Jude Secondary School. Urban Boys fought back to defeat CSS Achalla 2-1, while CSS Amawbia eased past Willie Obiano Community Secondary School with a convincing 3-0 win. Igwebuike Grammar School also progressed after defeating CSS Urum 2-1.
In the semi-finals, CSS Okpuno maintained their impressive form, defeating Urban Boys 2-0 to book a place in the championship match. CSS Amawbia secured the second final ticket after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Igwebuike Grammar School.
The much-anticipated final lived up to expectations as both schools displayed determination and quality. However, CSS Okpuno proved too strong on the day, converting their chances and controlling key moments of the game to record a deserved 3-1 victory over CSS Amawbia and lift the trophy.
Tournament Results
First Round
CSS Urum 3 - 1 Abbot Boys Secondary School Ihiala
Willie Obiano Community Secondary School Aguleri 2 - 0 CKC Umueri
CSS Achalla 1 - 0 St. Kizito Secondary School Umudioka
St. Jude Secondary School Ihiala 2 - 1 CSS Igboukwu
Quarter-finals
CSS Okpuno 4 - 0 St. Jude Secondary School Ihiala
Urban Boys Onitsha 2 - 1 CSS Achalla
CSS Amawbia 3 - 0 Willie Obiano Community Secondary School
Igwebuike Grammar School Awka 2 - 1 CSS Urum
Semi-finals
CSS Okpuno 2 - 0 Urban Boys Onitsha
CSS Amawbia 1 - 0 Igwebuike Grammar School
Final
CSS Okpuno 3 - 1 CSS Amawbia
The successful staging of the Anambra State Qualifiers once again showcased the wealth of football talent within secondary schools across the state. The Sam Okwaraji Under-16 Schools Football Championship remains one of Nigeria's foremost grassroots football competitions, providing young players with the opportunity to develop their skills, gain competitive experience and attract the attention of coaches and scouts . It is also a way to pay tribute to a Man that Died playing for his beloved Country, A man that sacrificed a lot to Represent his Country.
Sam Okwaraji lives On.
With the state title secured, CSS Okpuno will now carry Anambra's hopes into the next phase of the Sam Okwaraji Under-16 Schools Football Championship, where they will aim to continue their remarkable run and further establish themselves among the country's brightest young football teams.
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