West Nile Secondary School Sports Association U20 boys' football was a battle of grit and skill on the hallowed turf of Luo Grounds in Nebbi Municipality, Nebbi District. Aringa SS, hungry for redemption following last year's ban, showed superior teamwork and tactical discipline to edge past a resilient Idiwa Parents Secondary School. Idiwa SS, representing a story of hope from the Palorinya refugee settlement, fought valiantly.
Fans erupted in celebration as the final whistle blew, with Aringa SS players, students, and supporters chanting in jubilation. This win not only crowns them champions but also paves their path to the national championship, which will be played in Lira District.
Meanwhile, in the girls' category, Moyo Star SS continued their reign of supremacy. The defending champions dismantled Francis Ayume Memorial SS with a convincing 3-0 victory, securing the trophy for the third time since girls' football was introduced in the tournament.Moyo Star's performance was nothing short of clinical. Fast-paced attacks, solid defense, and clinical finishing left their opponents with little room to breathe. Having dominated the semi-finals by beating Muni Girls SS 3-0, the Moyo-based side demonstrated why they remain the benchmark in West Nile girls' secondary school football.
In other sports disciplines, Charity College Paidah clinched the volleyball U17 trophy, while Alpha Secondary School were the winners of dance sports in the girls' category. Meanwhile, Pakadah SS won in the boys' category.
St. Mary's Ediofe Girls Secondary School were the winners of netball U17, and Pakadah SS was the only school that presented a badminton team, and they were handed the trophy. St. Joseph's College Ombaci were crowned the champions of basketball 3 by 3.
In the individual awards, Shafi Funga (Aringa SS) was the most valuable player in boys' football, while Ababiku Zubeda scooped both the most valuable player and top scorer in girls' football.Gatre Herbert of St. Charles Lwanga College was the top scorer in U20 boys' football, while Feta Rio Paul of St. Joseph's College Ombaci and Letasi Joan Trinita of Ediofe Girls were the most valuable players in volleyball and netball U17, respectively. Nyanzok Mayok Deng of St. Mary's Ediofe Girls Secondary was the top scorer in netball U17.
The doubleheader of finals highlighted the growing talent and competitive spirit across West Nile schools, as noted by the guest of honor. From underdog tales like Idiwa Parents Secondary School to Aringa SS, today's matches at Luo Grounds and associated venues embodied the passion, unity, and future potential of youth sports in the region. This year's zonal championship was hosted by Nebbi District (Nebbi Town SS and St. Daniel Comboni College Omyer). The schools that will represent West Nile in the national championship include Aringa SS, Idiwa Parents SS, and Mvara SS in boys' football. In girls' football Moyo Star SS, Francis Ayume Memorial SS and Ebenezer SS will represent Westnile in Mukono.
