Compiled by Akinwale Taophic
Premier International School is fast becoming a dominant force in Abuja’s school sports arena, particularly in interschool football competitions. This transformation was highlighted by their recent victory in the highly anticipated D-Grace Educational Consult Inter-School Football Competition, where they triumphed over 24 of the city’s top schools. The competition, organised by Mr Adewusi Adewumi in collaboration with Bade Summer School, UK, marked a historic moment for the school as it claimed the coveted title in its inaugural edition.
The victory at the D-Grace Educational Consult competition is only the latest achievement in a series of outstanding performances by Premier International School’s football teams especially after coming back from the 2024 summer international football trip to Southampton, UK. Earlier this year, the school stunned many with their exceptional showing in the 2024 Academy Football League, organised by 5 Stars Sports Consults, where they delivered impressive performances that left fans and other schools in awe.
But perhaps their most significant achievement came at the 2024 Loyola Jesuit Cup, where Premier International School made history by becoming the first-ever school to reach the final in its debut appearance. Their path to the final was no easy feat; they defeated the host team, Loyola Jesuit, in a thrilling semifinal that sent shockwaves through the competition. Though they were ultimately runners-up, their performance was a testament to the strength and potential of their football program.
According to Coach Akinwale Taophic, the Head of Sports at Premier International School, the school’s recent successes are the result of a well-structured and focused approach to sports development.
“There’s no smoke without fire. These stellar performances are likely a yield of our sports development program, ‘Catch Them Young,’ which we introduced in 2022,” said Coach Taophic. The programme has focused on identifying and nurturing young talent from an early age, fostering a strong foundation in football that has now blossomed into national recognition.
The ‘Catch Them Young’ initiative has not only contributed to the senior team’s success but has also had a profound impact on the school’s younger athletes. The youngest players in their football programme, the Lower Elementary Football Team, also known as the “Premier Future Football Team,” made waves in the 2024 Regent Inter-School Football Tournament, hosted by Regent School on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Competing against some of the best teams in the region, the team emerged victorious, winning the tournament and adding another trophy to Premier International School’s growing collection.
The school’s leadership has expressed pride in the achievements of its students and coaches, emphasizing the importance of fostering not only academic excellence but also a well-rounded sports culture.
“We aim to equip our students with the skills and discipline they need to excel, both in the classroom and on the sports field,” said the principal of Premier International School. “Our football teams, from the youngest to the oldest players, embody the values of hard work, teamwork, and dedication that we instil in all our students.”
As Premier International School continues to excel in football, it is clear that the future is bright for the school’s sports programme. With a strong foundation laid through its innovative sports development initiatives, Premier International School is poised to remain a key player in the city’s school sports scene. Other schools in Abuja will no doubt be watching closely as this talented institution continues to raise the bar for school football competitions.
Taophic is the Sports Coach of Premier International School, Abuja
