MacDona Private School has won the Ronik International School, Ejigbo “Catch the Stars Young” (Alabi-Oyo) Football Tournament, an Under-10 competition, which featured five primary schools from Ejigbo community.
Ronik International School finished second, while SmartStart Private School secured third place.
According to the organisers, the event was aimed at discovering young football talents and encouraging sports development at the grassroots level.
The event featured a series of competitive matches that showcased not only the technical skills of the young players but also their determination and team spirit.
Speaking at the event, the Principal of Ronik Comprehensive School, Victoria Duru, praised the players for their efforts and discipline, describing the initiative as a platform to groom future champions.
“This tournament is more than just winning,” she said. “It is about growth, teamwork, and discovering the inner strength to persevere. Each child here is a star in the making, and we are proud to be part of their journey.”
Despite Ronik’s second-place finish in the finals against MacDona Private School, Duru expressed great pride in the home team. “Everyone wants to win, but our boys gave everything. They played with heart and skill, and we remain proud of them. The outcome is secondary to the lessons learned on and off the pitch,” she said.
Duru also commended the fairness of the officiating, noting that the game was played on Ronik’s grounds without bias, which is an affirmation of the integrity of the tournament.
The principal further underscored the importance of sports in education, citing Ronik’s commitment to producing well-rounded students.
“Academics alone do not build character. Physical development, teamwork, and resilience are equally vital. That’s why we have invested heavily in world-class sports facilities to help our pupils grow holistically,” she added.
Duru used the occasion to speak passionately on child protection, condemning abuse in youth sports and calling for stronger measures against violators.
“It is a gross abuse of trust when adults who should protect children end up exploiting them. Such actions destroy confidence and cause lifelong trauma. Stiffer penalties are needed to deter these acts,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, the school’s sports consultant, Grace Iyasele, who described the competition as a major milestone for the institution, said: “This is the middle edition and the first of its kind to be hosted here.”
She noted: “It’s a great accomplishment for the school, and I’m thankful to the management and sports team for making it possible. The facilities have been upgraded, and that has inspired more students to take an active interest in sports.”
