Moniepoint and NUGA Wrap Up a Historic Maiden Edition of the Monieball 5-Aside Football Tournament
The Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), in partnership with Moniepoint Nigeria Ltd, successfully concluded the maiden edition of the Monieball 5 Aside Football Tournament, held in Lagos from October 8th to 21st, 2025. The event marked a milestone in campus sports, bridging finance, technology, and youth development through football.
The tournament featured eight universities from across Nigeria: University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), University of Calabar (UNICAL), University of Uyo (UNIUYO), University of Ibadan (UI), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), and Abia State University (ABSU). Each institution fielded exceptional student athletes who showcased skill, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
The tournament, endorsed through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between NUGA and Moniepoint Nigeria Ltd, was designed to create a sustainable platform for student athletes to thrive and gain exposure. To ensure a successful outing, NUGA maximized participation, offered technical assistance, and provided full logistical and regulatory support to maintain fairness and excellence across matches.
According to NUGAâs Acting Secretary General, With great hope and hard work, we look forward to seeing this initiative expand to other parts of the country. The Monieball Tournament marks a new chapter in promoting university football and youth empowerment across Nigeria. It reflects NUGAâs ongoing commitment to partnerships that nurture talent, inspire excellence, and strengthen the collegiate sports ecosystem.
At the close of the tournament, three outstanding teams emerged victorious. The University of Ilorin took home the championship title, taking home a total prize of 5 million, alongside 2 million paid directly to the school. The University of Calabar secured second place, earning 2 million, while the University of Ibadan claimed third place with 1 million. Prize allocations were equitably distributed among players, officials, and sports administrators based on a structured ratio, ensuring everyone who contributed to success was duly rewarded.
The Monieball Tournament not only celebrated athletic excellence but also advanced NUGAâs vision of integrating corporate partnership into collegiate sports. By combining Moniepointâs innovative drive with NUGAâs developmental mission, the event created opportunities for financial inclusion, sports advancement, and youth engagement nationwide.
Monieball 2025, Where Innovation Met Play. A breakthrough in student sports.A partnership for empowerment. An impact on the nation.