Sports
Registry Dethrones School At ISL’s 31st Sports Meet
Registry (Red House) deposed Bursary (White House) to win the 31st Inter-House Athletics Competition International School, University of Lagos (ISL), held at the International School Sports Ground, University of Lagos.
Registry garnered 14 gold, seven silver and four bronze medals to come tops, as Congregation (Purple House) came second with nine gold, seven silver and 10 bronze medals.
Tidesports source reports that Chancellery (Yellow House) finished third with seven gold, four silver and two bronze medals, while Senate (Blue), placed fourth with four gold, 15 silver and eight bronze medals.
Bursary (White House) occupied fifth position with four gold, five silver and 11 bronze medals, however, the defending champion, School (Green House), came sixth place on the log after registering three gold, three silver and six bronze medals.
In the march past, Senate came tops with 93 points, Bursary was second with 89 points, while School had 88 points to get the third position, Registry fourth with 83 points, Congregation fifth with 78 points and Chancellery sixth with 76 points.
Mohammed Femisola was adjudged the best athlete after winning four gold medals in the 800 metres, 1500 metres, 400 metres and 4×100 metres.
Speaking at the event, the school’s Acting Principal, K.O. Amusan, said the competition was part of the school’s extra-curricular activities that encourage healthy living and exposed hiding talents among students.
“We are here to celebrate our 31st inter-house sports competition. It is a special one because our school just turned 40 years and it is our 40th Founder’s Day edition. This year’s competition is a very unique one as we are using our own field for the first time as against the University of Lagos Sports Centre, we used in the past.
“When we talk about a school’s setting, school is not just about academics as they say that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. The inter-house sports competition is very important because it allows for healthy competitions among students and even the staff. The health benefits are numerous,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of occasion and Group Managing Director of Vita Foam Nigeria Plc, Mr Taiwo Ayodele Adeniyi, who was represented by Mr. Owabamidele Sola, said the event was a celebration of youth, adding that they occupy a very important place in the country.
“For any country to grow, we must encourage them to show the full potential God has deposited in them. The contest is also an opportunity for the students to develop their talents aside from academics. And the corporate bodies have the duties to support sports at the grassroots and anything that is good.
That is what Vita Foam is known for, because we are a brand that supports talents when we see where talents are being developed and we encourage them,” he stated.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
-
News3 days agoNigeria Has Woken Up From Slumber Under Tinubu – Shettima
-
News3 days agoOji Clears Air On Appointment Of 15 Special Advisers By Fubara
-
Featured3 days agoRivers: Impeachment Moves Against Fubara, Deputy Hits Rock …As CJ Declines Setting Up Panel
-
News3 days ago
Nigeria To Begin Exporting Urea In 2028 -NMDPRA
-
City Crime3 days ago
Health Commissioner Extols Fubara’s Commitment To Community Healthcare Delivery
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Tinubu, Leading Nigeria To Sustainable Future – Okowa … Lauds Oborevwori Over Uromi Junction Flyover Construction
-
News3 days ago
US – Nigeria Security Engagement Translating Into Tangible Operational Gains – NSA
-
News3 days ago
Situation Room Decries Senate’s Delay On Electoral Act, Demands Immediate Action