…..Aim At Grooming Youth For World Stage
Starfield College, Fagba Lagos in its commitment to promoting sports organized inter-school chess tournament among secondary school students with the age range of 14.
The competition with the theme: ‘More Than a Game’ which has been on with different steps of the game had the final held at the college hall on Friday, November 21, 2025 with four schools competing.
The four schools at the competition include: Starfield College; Barachel Model College; Joram School and Providence Heights Secondary School.
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Speaking at the event, the Director of Studies, Mr. Christopher Eigbe said the competition brings together minds from diverse schools and backgrounds, fostering friendships and a spirit of sportsmanship that transcends the board.
He described Chess as far more than the movement of the pieces across sixty –four squares, adding that it is a discipline that cultivates patience, sharpens foresight and instils resilience.
“It teaches us that every decision carries weight and that strategy and perseverance can transform adversity into triumph and in this way chess mirrors life itself, demanding thought, courage and adaptability.
He added that beyond competition, the tournament is a testament to unity and mutual respect, adding that grooming the young ones will help Nigeria in another ten years produce world champion in the game.
Eigbe urged participants to play with honour, integrity, and passion. “Let this event be celebration of intellect, creativity and camaraderie, a reminder that chess is indeed more than a game but a journey of growth and excellence.”
He called for more investment from the government stating that every aspect of sports should be revived for better performance at the world stage.
The Principal, Mrs. Sara Oyinloye in her remarks said Starfield College is all about a total child hence it is not only academics but the students should be encouraged in all aspects of education including sport.
She said the motivation for the game is to have a total child that will be able to sit calmly, think critically and to have patience to achieve whatever their goal is at the end of the day.
She said that chess teaches patience, skills, and how to combat whatever issue that is coming. “You are thinking of how you will win that issue, so you don’t just sit and that issue will come and defeat you. “That is one thing we want them to learn, even in their studies, it goes a long way to help them.”
She urged parents to encourage their children and help them discover their passion in sport and nurture it to bring out the best in them. “Government should do the same and in the nearest future champions will emerge in different sports in the country.
The head coach for chess in the school, Mr. Babatunde Ogunsiku said participants showed enthusiasm as regards the game and with continuous teaching and focus on the game this will change the kind of youth and leaders the country will have in the near future.
He said that chess in schools is one of the ways to actually ensure the development of the game as well as the development of the youth.
“And so, I would say for us to own the development of our youths, chess is one of those games that would definitely help to work on their mind and develop them the way we would like them to be. That is for them to think correctly and strategically, this is the game that you need,” he added.
Ogunsiku advised parents on the need to support their children on this passion. “Chess changes lives for the better; it helps to build patience; it helps to build integrity and helps to build perseverance. If any parent ensures that their children or their child gets into the knowledge of chess, then they are building those children for the future of great thoughts.”
After an intense contest among the four schools represented at the tournament, Starfield College emerged first for both the boys and girls category with 11 points out of the possible 12 respectively.
Mrs. Juliana Eigbe congratulates one of the winner
Joram School and Barachel Model College emerged second position at both the girls and boys category with five and half points respectively.
For the third place, Providence Heights Secondary School got the medal with four and half points for the girls’ category while Joram School won the boys category.
All participants received certificates at the event with winners receiving medals.
BV.
