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Regin College produced a brilliant second half performance to defeat Federal Technical College (FTC) Yaba 3-0 and emerge champions of the inaugural Sporting Lagos Secondary Schools Cup at the historic Elegbata Sports Complex on Lagos Island.
The convincing victory allowed Reign College to not only lift the competition’s first trophy, but also complete a remarkable sweep of the tournament’s top individual awards, underscoring its dominance throughout the competition.
Reign College shines in a historic final
The much-anticipated final began with both schools locked in a hotly contested first half. FTC Yaba defended resolutely to frustrate Reign College, ensuring the teams went into the break goalless.
However, the contest changed dramatically after the restart as Reign College picked up the pace. Their deft passing, disciplined midfield play and precision finishing overwhelmed FTC Yaba, with three unanswered goals sealing a resounding 3-0 victory and writing their name in the tournament’s history as its first champions.
Road to the championship
The inaugural Sporting Lagos Secondary Schools Cup, organized by Sporting Lagos and sponsored by Selar and GoodTree Ag, featured eight secondary schools from across Lagos State:
*Region College
*Federal Technical College (FTC), Yaba
*Gracewell Academy
*Anwar-Ul Islam
* King’s College
*CMS High School
* Christ the Redeemer
* St. Michael Anglican College (SMAC)
The competition produced several surprises: traditional football powerhouses King’s College, CMS Grammar School, Christ The Redeemer and SMAC were eliminated in the quarter-finals.
Regin College secured their place in the final with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Gracewell Academy in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, FTC Yaba survived a tense encounter against Anwar-Ul Islam. After both teams failed to find a breakthrough in regulation, FTC triumphed 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout to book their spot in the championship game.
Gracewell Academy finishes in third place
Earlier on the final day, Gracewell Academy claimed third place in the tournament after beating Anwar-Ul Islam 5-3 on penalties.
Gracewell took a two-goal lead before Anwar-Ul Islam staged a stunning comeback to level the score at 2-2. The contest was eventually decided from the penalty spot, where Gracewell held her nerve to secure the bronze medal.
Region College Sweep Individual Awards
Regin College’s outstanding campaign was reflected in the individual honors.
Marvelous Amaechi, an SS2 student, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) after putting in a series of commanding performances in midfield, including an influential display in the final.
Goalkeeper David Azukwo was awarded the GoodTree Golden Glove award after recording three clean sheets during the tournament, playing a pivotal role in Reign College’s title run.
Promotion of grassroots football
The successful hosting of the first Sporting Lagos Secondary Schools Cup represents another significant step in promoting the development of grassroots football in Lagos State.
With high quality performances, competitive matches and emerging young talents on display throughout the tournament, the competition has laid a solid foundation for future editions while reinforcing the importance of school sports in nurturing the next generation of Nigerian football stars.
