In a vibrant display of athletic talent, five Nigerian universities are currently engaged in the 2022 Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Zone N Preliminary Games, hosted at Adamawa State University in Mubi. This exciting event, showcasing youthful energy and competitive spirit, brings together student-athletes from across the region to compete in a variety of sports, fostering camaraderie and healthy rivalry.
A Diverse Array of Sporting Events
The participating institutions are battling it out in approximately 13 different disciplines, ranging from football and volleyball to taekwondo, badminton, table tennis, basketball, and hockey, among others. These games provide a platform for students to demonstrate their athletic prowess and represent their universities with pride. The diversity of sports ensures that athletes with varied skills have the opportunity to shine, making the event a true celebration of physical talent and teamwork.
Governor Fintiri Highlights the Power of Sports
At the opening ceremony, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Maxwell Gidado, officially declared the games open. He emphasized the significance of sports in his administration’s agenda, noting that it goes beyond mere entertainment. “Sports is a powerful tool for uniting people and driving economic growth globally,” he stated. He further highlighted the timely nature of the games, as the North East region works to rebuild and foster peace among communities recovering from insurgency. Governor Fintiri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting sports development in schools and local communities, recognizing its role in promoting unity and progress.
Promoting Unity Through NUGA
Prof. Kwaletapwa Farauta, Vice Chancellor of Adamawa State University, Mubi, delivered a warm welcome address, underscoring the purpose of the NUGA games. She explained that the event is designed to create opportunities for Nigerian university students to connect, interact, and channel their energies positively. The NUGA games are structured in two phases: the zonal preliminaries, such as the one hosted in Mubi, and the national finals, which bring together top performers from across the country. “Our university is proud to host the 26th edition of the NUGA zonal preliminaries, contributing to the development of our students and the broader Nigerian academic community,” Prof. Farauta remarked. Despite limited resources, she affirmed the university’s dedication to promoting sports as a vital part of student life.
Participating Universities and Opening Match
The five universities competing in the Zone N preliminaries are Adamawa State University, Mubi (the host), Modibbo Adama University, Yola (MAU), Federal University, Wukari (FUW), American University of Nigeria, Yola (AUN), and Taraba State University, Jalingo (TSU). These institutions have brought their best athletes to compete for a chance to advance to the national stage of the NUGA games.
The event kicked off with an exciting football match, where the host, Adamawa State University, secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Taraba State University. The match set an energetic tone for the games, with spectators cheering on the young athletes as they displayed skill and determination on the field.
A Bright Future for University Sports
The NUGA 2022 Zone N Preliminary Games in Mubi are more than just a competition; they represent a commitment to youth empowerment, community building, and the promotion of sports as a unifying force. As the event progresses, the participating universities will continue to showcase their talents, forging new friendships and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Adamawa State University’s role as host underscores its dedication to fostering an environment where students can thrive both academically and athletically.
