Rugby takes center stage at Eyoto Championship
Yesterday was the finals of the 6th edition of the athletics event of the EYOTO Sports Academy Championship at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium
Rugby takes center stage at Eyoto Championship
Yesterday was the finals of the 6th edition of the athletics event of the EYOTO Sports Academy Championship at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium which was graced by the Edo State Sports Executive Chairman, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, it's Executive Director Sports Development Madam Sabina Chikwere, the Permanent Secretary of the establishment, Mrs Efe Ameze, alongside other dignitaries present who gave out lots of prizes to the winners including giant trophies, medals, spick shoes, cash awards and scholarships just to mention a few. Before the Athletics Championship, they did a cycling demonstration on Friday December 5, 2025 in Benin City. Attention will now shift today to the 1st edition of the Rugby event to be played at the Edo Boys High School, Adolor the home of Rugby in Edo State from 12noon to 5pm, with lots of prizes up for grab.Being a one day event, eight out of the 16 schools presently involved in the Edo State Rugby Programme recently approved by the Edo State Ministry of Education will be slugging it out in the 1st EYOTO Schools Rugby Tournament. The eight participating Schools (4 Boys & 4 Girls) for the 1st edition this year as followsGIRLS 1. EMAGWERO Girls College 2. OREDO Girls College 3. EMOTAN College 4. IDIA College BOYS 1. OGBE Secondary Schools2. Edo Boys High School, ADOLOR 3. USELU Secondary School4. TECHNICAL COLLEGE Other side attractions will include the Senior Rugby Players of Edo State slogging it out amongst themselves with the EYOTO Team in a 7's & 10's Rugby Matches just before the finals to add colour to the event and show how the beautiful game of Rugby is played in the two versions. There will also be the Kicking & Passing Challenges which will also be competed for.There will also be a Seminar & Clinic for the Games Master and their children before the matches by 10am. The national team players, who just returned from the World Rugby League Series in Canada and the Heritage Tournament in Ghana respectively will also be celebrated. The Eyoto Sports Academy, a renowned non-profit organisation is dedicated to nurturing young talents in Edo State, has announced plans to introduce rugby in its upcoming championships this December. The academy, which has been a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, will feature rugby in 2025, in addition to its traditional athletics events.Speaking on the academy's journey and future plans, President Chief Dr. Felix Idahosa expressed gratitude for the support received from partners and stakeholders, citing the academy's remarkable achievements over the past five years. "Our greatest joy is seeing young people compete with all their hearts and strengths," he said.Idahosa emphasised the academy's commitment to turning raw talents into world-class athletes, adding that the introduction of rugby will provide more opportunities for young athletes to shine. Meanwhile the athletics competition will now cater to both under-15 and open categories, marking a significant expansion in the scope of the championship.The Vice President, Dr. Festus Idahosa Erese expressed excitement about the future, noting that the introduction of rugby demonstrates the academy's commitment to diversifying sports and creating more opportunities for young athletes.On his part, the Treasurer of the Academy, Friday Enoye, a notable sports philanthropist, reinforced this sentiment by promising that the 2025 and 2026 editions will surpass expectations.The Eyoto Sports Academy has also awarded scholarship packages to 10 outstanding young talents, providing financial and academic support to enable them to focus on their development.The academy remains committed to redefining sports development in Edo State, inspiring young athletes, and empowering them with the tools needed for success."We remain very keen to sustain the relationship with the Edo State Rugby Association and by extension, coach Ntiense Williams, who through his hard work is helping the EYOTO Sports Academy to sustain the game of Rugby as a relevant sport for the total well- being and physical development of the students in Edo State," a statement by the academy said.