Young athletes shone brightly at the recently concluded fourth edition of the FRCN Lagos Children Sports Fiesta, which gathered students from various junior secondary schools at the Legacy Pitch, located within the National Stadium complex in Surulere.
The event transformed the stadium into a vibrant celebration, filled with excitement and cheer as schoolchildren participated enthusiastically in various competitions over the weekend.
Coach Wale Hassan, who guided his team from Prellar College to clinch the title in the boys’ five-a-side football event, expressed his eagerness for the tournament’s return, describing the experience as highly rewarding.
In a gripping final, Prellar College triumphed over tournament favourites Kings College in a penalty shootout, winning 2-1 after both sides were locked at 1-1 during regulation play. Meanwhile, Peculiar Heights edged out Mighty Pillars with a narrow 1-0 win to claim third place.
Mighty Pillars, however, bounced back in the girls’ division, delivering a commanding 3-0 victory over Hellifest to seize the gold medal. Peculiar Heights earned their second bronze of the day by defeating Ikpea College 5-4 in a thrilling contest.
Aside from football, the Fiesta showcased track events as well. Favour Igwe of Ikpea College sprinted to gold in the girls’ 100m race, while Chinedu Umeh from Ark of the Lord emerged victorious in the boys’ category, finishing first in the sprint final.
The one-day sporting spectacle was made possible with strong backing from Haji Gafar Liameed, the chairman of the Lagos State Football Association and founder of 36 Lion FC, who has remained a steady pillar of support for grassroots football.
Also making her mark on the event, trailblazer and women’s football advocate Ayo Omidiran continued her tradition of empowering the game by donating the trophy for the girls’ football championship.
