Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has secured qualification to represent Nigeria at the 2026 World University Games in Egypt after outstanding performances at the just-concluded 27th Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Games hosted by the University of Jos.
The university’s female football and volleyball teams finished among the top three in their respective events, earning automatic tickets to the global championship scheduled for Egypt next year.
UNIZIK participated in eight sports at the 11-day biennial games (November 6–16): taekwondo, karate, female football, volleyball, male football, tennis, rowing, and athletics.
The returning contingent received a heroic welcome on Wednesday at the University Senate Chamber as the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, marked his first day in office by personally receiving the athletes.
Prof. Anyaehie described the team as “excellent ambassadors” of the institution and said their qualification for the World University Games would place UNIZIK firmly on the global map of university sports and academics.
He promised greater investment in talent discovery and development, declaring: “We will encourage talent hunt and nurture in this university to put our students in the limelight.
”Among the standout athletes was 19-year-old Mary Ogisi, who won silver in taekwondo and bronze in karate.
Speaking to reporters, Ogisi revealed that persistent bullying during her childhood pushed her into combat sports as a means of self-defence, a journey that has now taken her to the brink of international competition.
Match Commissioner and contingent Media Officer, Dr Ikenna Nwokedi, praised the athletes for justifying their selection as South-East zonal champions and for giving a good account of themselves on the national stage.
Director of Sports, Mrs Tonia Chukwudi, commended the team for overcoming significant challenges, including harsh cold weather in Jos, fatigue from the long journey from Anambra, injuries, security concerns, and the stress of moving between scattered venues.
Despite not clinching the overall NUGA trophy, Mrs Chukwudi insisted UNIZIK remains “a team to beat in Nigeria,” rating the contingent’s performance at an impressive 95 per cent.
“With the qualification of our female football and volleyball teams for the World University Games, we have shown once again that UNIZIK is a powerhouse in Nigerian university sports,” she added.
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