UniPort wins University Games

As this year's edition of the Nigeria University Games came to a close on Saturday at the University of Benin, the University of Port Harcourt (UniPort) confirmed its supremacy in the Games by retaining the title it won in the last edition hosted by the University of Nigeria (UNN). The university has now won games four times in a row. It hosted and won the 2004 edition before going on to win the 2006 edition (hosted by the University of Maiduguri).

Uniport won 46 gold medals, 16 silver and 15 bronze medals to be adjudged the best team at the multi-sports championship, a long margin of medals separating the Rivers State team from other teams in the tournament.

The Port Harcourt-based institution took the lead in almost all the 15 sporting events competed for at the championship, carting home over 14 gold medals in the athletics event alone.

University of Nigeria, Nsukka came second in the overall medal table with 15 gold, 17 silver and 13 bronze medals, while Obafemi Awolowo University came third with 13 gold 11 silver and three bronze medals. Host, University of Benin finished fourth with 10 gold, 12 silver and 17 bronze medals, while University of Maiduguri and University of Lagos came fifth and sixth respectively.

Ife next hosts

Meanwhile, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife has been given the hosting right of the 24th edition of the games by the governing council of the association. This was announced at the closing ceremony of the games.

According to the chairman, OAU Sports Council, Gbolahan Babalola, the hosting of the 24th NUGA Games coincides with the institution's 50th year anniversary, which he hoped would help the students to be actively involved in the celebration.

"We believe sports transcend all barriers including recognition of all God's creations. We believe that our campus is one of the special creations of God through men of vision and mission. We are proud to acknowledge that our campus is one of the best estates in the world that one must visit. The scenic beauty and natural endowments are second to none. Hosting the 24th NUGA games is OAU should be an opportunity for tourism and appreciation of God's blessing," Babalola said.

He told reporters that the feat achieved by OAU at the 23rd NUGA games has confirmed the school resurgence in sports in recent time, adding that the school would return to its rightful place in sports among Nigerian tertiary institutions.