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FUOYE Queens Lift First-Ever NUGA Female Football Title After Dramatic Turnaround

The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Queens have made history by clinching their first NUGA female football championship, defeating defending champions University of Lagos (UNILAG) 2–1 in a thrilling final at the 27th Nigerian University Games in Jos.

Their road to the title was anything but straightforward. FUOYE entered the final under extraordinary circumstances, having initially lost 9–0 to hosts University of Jos (UNIJOS) in the semi-finals. However, the team filed an official protest alleging that UNIJOS fielded ineligible players. Following a review, tournament officials upheld the complaint, disqualifying UNIJOS and reinstating FUOYE into the championship match.

Given a second chance, FUOYE wasted no time making the most of it. They opened the scoring early through a composed finish from their attacking line and soon doubled their lead with sustained pressure that left UNILAG’s defence scrambling. The Lagos side managed to pull one back late in the game, but FUOYE’s defence held firm to secure a landmark victory and deny UNILAG a successful title defense.

FUOYE Sports Director Dr. Adewale Adeyemi praised the team’s fighting spirit after the match. “This victory is deserving. The girls showed great character,” he said.

Head coach Olusola Ogundele credited teamwork and unity for the win, while captain Glory Odey dedicated the triumph to supporters.

She described the win as “a triumph for FUOYE and women’s football in Nigeria.”

The historic result marks a new chapter for FUOYE’s women’s football programme and stands out as one of the most dramatic storylines of the 27th NUGA Games.

The 27th Nigerian University Games (NUGA) came to a colourful and memorable close on Saturday at the University of Jos, with Benson Idahosa University (BIU) emerging as overall champions in a tournament that featured 74 institutions from across Nigeria. Benson Idahosa University topped the medal table with 25 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze medals. Hosts University of Jos (UNIJOS) finished second with 18 gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze, while the University of Benin (UNIBEN) placed third after collecting 15 gold, 9 silver and 10 bronze medals. The top three institutions were awarded cash prizes of ₦2 million, ₦1.5 million and ₦1 million respectively. Declaring the Games closed, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, represented by Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, described the tournament as a “celebration of talent, discipline, sportsmanship and unity”—qualities she said reflect the Nigerian spirit. She praised the event as “more than a sporting competition,” calling it a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “The federal government’s commitment to empowering young people through education and sport is evident,” she said. “Sports remain a vital channel for moulding character, shaping discipline and nurturing leadership.” This edition featured 23 sports, an expansion from the previous Games hosted by the University of Lagos. Organisers and guests commended UNIJOS for using the event to promote peace and dispel long-standing perceptions of insecurity in Jos. UNIJOS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tanko Ishaya hailed the warm reception enjoyed by the visiting athletes. “Some athletes do not want to leave because of the welcome they received,” he noted. “This has helped change the narrative that Jos is not safe.” He also applauded the discipline shown throughout the competition, emphasising the spirit of the Games’ theme, “Unite, Play in Peace.” “Gold medals shine, but character shines brighter,” he said. “Whether you won or not, you have shown that sportsmanship is legendary.” NUGA President Professor Bawa Muhammed described the 27th edition as the best in recent history. “This edition featured 91 participating institutions, the highest so far in NUGA history,” he said. “Strength, speed, endurance and friendship have been tested and forged.” He announced that the next NUGA Games will be hosted in 2026 at the University of Calabar. Special Guest of Honour, Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressed delight at the success of the Games, noting earlier uncertainties about their feasibility. “We once considered shifting the Games due to certain challenges, but today we have seen Jos not only host but excel,” he said. “This is the best NUGA in recent times.” He praised the record turnout and celebrated the event as a “beacon of peace on the Plateau.” What began with concerns over security ended with a renewed sense of unity, pride and optimism. Organisers expressed hope that the friendships formed and the values reinforced during the Games will endure, advancing the vision of using sport to strengthen peace and national cohesion among Nigerian students.