The maiden edition of the Africa School Games got off to a vibrant and thrilling start on Friday, with 11 schools competing for top honors in swimming, athletics, and football.
Hosted at the British International School in Victoria Island, Lagos, Day 1 featured an exciting lineup of swimming events across the U-11, U-13, and U-15 categories for both boys and girls. The young athletes showcased their skills in the 50m freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly races, with the day culminating in high-energy medley relays that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Early contenders for the overall prize include the host school, British International School, alongside Grange School and The RiverBank School.
One of the standout performers was 12-year-old Maryam Muhammad of British International School, who clinched three gold and three silver medals.
“It’s been a great experience, and I’m proud that all the hard work, along with the support from my parents, coaches, and friends, is paying off,” she said. “As Team BIS, it was a tough competition, but we held our own at home. Expect more from us in athletics and football.”
Parents were equally enthusiastic about the event. Ehimhen Agunloye, whose child attends St. Saviours, praised the organization and impact of the Games.
“It’s been super exciting to be part of something so powerful and impactful. The teams came well-prepared, and the officials have been very professional. I hope St. Saviours wins overall.”
Dr. Busola Tejumola, co-founder of the Africa School Games, reaffirmed the event’s mission to spotlight young talent across the continent.
“It’s inspiring to see the competitive spirit and skill these athletes bring. The Africa School Games is a continental initiative aimed at building a structured sports ecosystem for talent identification and development in Africa.”
She added that future editions will welcome more schools from across the continent, expanding the reach and impact of the competition.