By Sandra Chukwunyere
Topfield Secondary School emerged overall champion of the 2026 Wale Adeniyi Secondary school sports Arena (WASA) as the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) brought the five-day sporting event to a close in Lagos on Friday.
The competition, organised by the Command in collaboration with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), featured 380 students drawn from 10 secondary schools across Lagos State, competing in various sporting events aimed at promoting youth development, discipline and healthy competition.
Declaring the tournament closed at the Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena (WASA), the Customs Area Controller of the Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, described the event as a celebration of talent, teamwork and character building.
According to him, the competition was designed to provide students with opportunities to showcase their abilities beyond the classroom while fostering sportsmanship and personal development.
Ntadi noted that the sports arena was established through the vision and commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose passion for youth empowerment inspired the initiative.
“This arena reflects the belief that investing in young people goes beyond academics. It is about nurturing character, promoting sportsmanship and creating opportunities for children to discover and develop their talents,” he said.
The Customs Area Controller commended teachers, parents, officials and organisers for their support throughout the competition, noting that their contributions were instrumental to the success of the tournament.
Accompanied by his wife, Mrs Florence Ntadi, the Controller expressed optimism that future editions of the championship would attract more schools, introduce additional sporting events and create broader opportunities for young athletes.
At the end of the competition, Topfield Secondary School topped the medals table with 107 points to emerge overall winner. Gaskiya College finished second with 43 points, while Pathfinders Path Joe School secured third position with 35 points.
Dorcas Memorial College placed fourth with 28 points, followed by El-Leanora College with 26 points. Rock Foundation College earned 18 points, GIF College recorded 15 points, Hope Springs College finished with 13 points, Cardoso College secured 10 points, while Caro Favoured College ended the tournament with nine points.
Ntadi disclosed that every participant won at least one medal during the competition, describing the achievement as evidence of the inclusive nature of the games.
He congratulated all 380 students for their performances and praised spectators for their support and enthusiasm throughout the event.
Also speaking, the Acting Controller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, represented by Deputy Comptroller Thomas Jonah, commended the Western Marine Command for providing a platform that positively engages young people.
He urged the students to remain focused and disciplined, stressing that dedication, perseverance and hard work remain essential ingredients for success in both sports and life.
The overall coach and member of the technical committee, Mr Onasanya Agbolabo, disclosed that the championship featured 10 sporting events involving eight private schools and two public schools.
He highlighted the impressive performances of several athletes, including Sandra Abutu in table tennis, Anita Akinbami and Zodij Blessing, noting that Sandra Abutu also distinguished herself during the football final.
Agbolabo explained that participants competed in events such as Scrabble, Chess, Basketball, Table Tennis and five-a-side football, all conducted in accordance with recognised tournament standards.
In his remarks, the Baale of Ebute-Ibafon, Chief Kayode Hassan, who represented the Oba of Iwa Kingdom, Oba Maroof Oluwa, described the championship as one of the most impactful youth-focused programmes hosted in the community.
He thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Nigeria Customs Service for bringing the competition to the area, noting that it not only engaged young people positively but also demonstrated the capacity of local communities to host quality sporting events.
According to him, the tournament produced no losers, as every participant gained valuable experience, exposure and confidence that would prepare them for greater opportunities in the future.
The 2026 edition of the WASA competition ended with medal presentations, celebrations and renewed calls for sustained investment in youth and grassroots sports development.
