Eyoto Sports Academy, a non-profit and non-government organization acclaimed for its commitment to nurturing young talents from grassroots in Edo State, has revealed plans to add rugby to its competition in 2025 and basketball in the 2026 edition.�

President of Eyoto Sports Academy, Dr. Felix Idahosa, who disclosed this to Nigeria News Source on Wednesday, said the Academy, which has steadily grown into a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, is set to introduce rugby and basketball as new features in addition to its traditional athletics events. Also, the athletics competition will now cater to both under-15 and open categories, marking a significant expansion in the scope of the championship.

Speaking on the Academy’s journey and future, Idahosa said, “What Eyoto Sports Academy is doing in Edo State and Nigeria is extraordinary, especially when we look back at our first five years. We are grateful to God. Our greatest joy is seeing young people compete with all their hearts and strengths.”

He appreciated Eyoto Sports Academy partners and stakeholders for a successful 2024 athletics competition.

“You add a lot to what Eyoto Sports Academy is doing. We are helping to turn raw talents into world-class athletes,” Idahosa said.

“As we look ahead to the future, we want to continue to carefully identify, nurture, and support these young athletes to accomplish their goals in sports and academic. The coaches also play a pivotal role in this effort. This is our hope.

“We are in the business of helping athletes find their personal and athletic success by helping them develop community support, and helping them discover the why,” he said.

Vice President of Eyoto Sports Academy, Dr. Festus Idahosa Erese, also expressed his excitement about the future.

“The Eyoto Executive Council is thrilled with the direction the organization is heading, particularly with the introduction of rugby and basketball as new features alongside our traditional athletics events. This initiative showcases our commitment to diversifying sports and creating more opportunities for young athletes to shine,” Erese said.

On his part, the Treasurer of the Academy, Friday Enoye, a notable sports philanthropist, reinforced then above sentiment, promising that the 2025 and 2026 editions would surpass expectations.

“We are committed to ensuring that the upcoming editions set new benchmarks in terms of organization, competition, and talents discovery. Eyoto Sports Academy remains a platform for excellence,” Enoye said.

Nigeria News Source recalls that the Lord’s Own Academy came out tops at the finale of the 5th edition of Eyoto Sports Academy Athletics Competition that climaxed on Friday, December 6, 2024 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, the Edo State capital, with participants and stakeholders commending the event’s focus on grassroots talents development and strict adherence to the under-15 age limit.�

The Lord’s Own Academy dominated the competition’s finals, winning six gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal.

Asoro Grammar School placed second with two gold and two silver medals, while Ogbe Secondary School came third with one gold, one silver and one bronze.�

The three top schools were also awarded cash prizes of N200,000, N150,000, and N100,000 naira, respectively.

The Individual winners of the various events were awarded cash prizes of N25,000 for the winners, while N15,000 and N10,000 went to the second and third place winners, respectively.

In addition, as a directive from the President of Eyoto Sports Academy, and in line with the Academy’s mission to develop world-class athletes, top 10 athletes of the competition were rewarded with a sum of N100,000, with N25,000 to be paid to them quarterly on the condition that they continue on the path of education, make excellent grades and win competitions.

The scholarship packages to the 10 outstanding young talents aim to provide both financial and academic support, enabling these athletes to focus on their development.

Seven out of the 10 beneficiaries are female. They Omosivwe Treasure, The Lord’s Own Academy; Chisom Anayor, The Lord’s Own Academy; Abu Ruth, Faith Land Secondary School; Musa Aliat, Ihogbe College; Gift Ikechukwu, Idia College; Joy Joshua Omonigho, The Lord’s Own Academy, and Obarodion Dominion, Asoro Grammar School.

The three male beneficiaries are Usaida Ovie, The Lord’s Own Academy; Oyie Marvellous, Edokpolor Grammar School, and Onuoha Chinonso Alexandra, Ogbe Secondary School.