The Lagos State Government has announced that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will host and formally receive Lagos-based student athletes who delivered a historic, medal-laden performance at the 2026 World School Games Olympia, held in Doha, Qatar, from Thursday, 29 January, to Saturday, 31 January, 2026.
The victorious contingent, comprising students from Lagos schools, distinguished themselves across athletics, football, and swimming in the Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 categories, earning widespread acclaim for the State on the international stage.
According to the Lagos State Sports Commission, the reception is intended not merely to celebrate medals but to honour the discipline, teamwork, resilience, and excellence displayed throughout the competition.
At the Games, Lagos schools recorded an impressive medal haul and finished prominently on the overall leaderboards across age categories, further underscoring the State’s growing dominance in structured school sports. Saint Saviour’s School emerged first overall in the Under-11 category, affirming its commanding performance at that level. Grange School sustained its momentum by finishing second overall in the Under-13 category and third overall in the Under-15 category, demonstrating depth and consistency across divisions.
Across the three age groups, young athletes representing Saint Saviour’s School, Grange School, Riverbank School, British International School, Lagos Preparatory & Secondary School, and Corona School competed with remarkable poise and proficiency in athletics, football, and swimming events.
In addition to the World School Games success, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will also honour Team Lagos athletes who represented Nigeria with distinction at the African Youth Games in Angola. For many of these athletes, the journey began at the National Youth Games, where they first represented Lagos State and delivered excellent performances that earned them national selection.
That progression culminated at the African Youth Games, held in Angola from December 10–20, 2025, where the Team Lagos athletes, drawn from leading schools including Greensprings and others, rose to continental prominence and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal success. Their performances affirmed that Lagos’ youth sports framework is not only competitive domestically but capable of producing athletes ready for continental and global responsibility.
Across both the World School Games and the African Youth Games, the athletes demonstrated resilience, discipline, and exemplary sportsmanship, reinforcing Lagos State’s reputation as a fertile ground for nurturing young talents capable of excelling on the international stage.
Applauding the achievements, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the dual successes as a watershed moment for the State.
“These achievements are a source of immense pride to the Government and people of Lagos State. They reflect the discipline and dedication of our young athletes and the steady revitalisation of the school sports ecosystem in Lagos, supported by committed parents, educators, coaches, and administrators.”
Reacting to the accomplishments, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr Lekan Fatodu, described the performances as a defining milestone for youth and school sports in Lagos State.
“This historic performance by our schools and young athletes is a powerful demonstration of what is possible when talent meets structure, vision, and opportunity. These athletes not only won medals; they represented the Lagos spirit, confidence, discipline, resilience, and excellence on the global stage,” Fatodu said. “We are immensely proud of every athlete, coach, school administrator, and parent whose collective effort produced this remarkable outcome.”
The planned reception by Governor Sanwo-Olu will serve not only as a celebration of excellence but also as a powerful inspiration to countless young students who aspire to combine academic distinction with sporting excellence.
