The University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) came alive on 8th October 2025 as top Nigerian universities gathered for the much-anticipated Pre-NUGA Games—a sporting event organized ahead of the main Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) competition. The matchday was filled with intense contests, electrifying performances, and passionate displays of sportsmanship as athletes from UNIABUJA, FUTMINNA, FULOKOJA, NILE University, and PAAU went head-to-head in various disciplines.
The Pre-NUGA Games, hosted at the prestigious University of Abuja sports complex, showcased the strength, teamwork, and athletic excellence of Nigerian university students across multiple sports categories—football, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and badminton.
⚽ Football (Male)
The football category witnessed fierce battles as teams fought for early dominance and a chance to reach the semi-finals.
- UNIABUJA 1 – 2 FULOKOJA
The University of Abuja men’s football team suffered a narrow 2–1 defeat against the spirited FULOKOJA side, who displayed great tactical discipline and defensive composure. - UNIABUJA 1 – 0 NILE University
UNIABUJA bounced back brilliantly in their second fixture, edging NILE University by a single goal to secure a well-deserved win that earned them a spot in the semi-finals.
The home crowd erupted in celebration as the victory guaranteed UNIABUJA’s qualification from their group, reaffirming their strong position as one of the favorites in the football event.
🏀 Basketball
The basketball courts were equally charged with energy as both male and female teams delivered exciting performances.
- Male: UNIABUJA 21 – 18 FUTMINNA
In a close encounter, UNIABUJA edged FUTMINNA with sharp shooting and solid defense, sealing a narrow but significant win in front of their home fans. - Female: UNIABUJA 19 – 10 FULOKOJA
The female team of UNIABUJA showed class and coordination, dominating their FULOKOJA opponents to secure a convincing 19–10 victory.
Both teams demonstrated exceptional chemistry and skill, positioning UNIABUJA as a powerhouse in the basketball category going into the later rounds of the Pre-NUGA tournament.
🏐 Volleyball
Volleyball matches produced thrilling rallies and nail-biting finishes, as teams battled for supremacy at the net.
- Male: UNIABUJA 3 – 2 FUTMINNA
In a high-tempo match, UNIABUJA clinched victory in a 5-set thriller against FUTMINNA, displaying endurance and mental strength throughout the encounter. - Female: UNIABUJA 2 – 0 NILE University
The UNIABUJA female volleyball team made light work of their NILE University counterparts, winning in straight sets with an impressive team performance.
Both wins further emphasized UNIABUJA’s overall dominance in team sports during the event.
🏓 Table Tennis (Male)
The male table tennis category saw UNIABUJA athletes in top form as they delivered a clean sweep performance.
- UNIABUJA 3 – 0 FUTMINNA
With strong rallies and lightning-fast reflexes, UNIABUJA’s players left no room for error, blanking FUTMINNA in all rounds. The result not only advanced them to the semi-finals but also established their authority in racket sports.
🏸 Badminton (Male)
Badminton matches brought a blend of precision and endurance, testing the athletes’ agility and focus.
- UNIABUJA 2 – 0 FUTMINNA
UNIABUJA kicked off the day with a solid 2–0 win over FUTMINNA, showcasing good coordination and court control. - UNIABUJA 0 – 2 PAAU
However, in their second match, the team fell to PAAU in a 2–0 defeat. Despite the loss, UNIABUJA still remained in contention for qualification rounds based on overall performance points.
📢 Official Headlines and Key Takeaways
- The UNIABUJA men’s football team has successfully secured a place in the semi-finals after a hard-fought group stage.
- Tennis and racket teams advanced to the semi-finals in both singles and doubles categories, reflecting the university’s growing dominance in individual sports.
- FUTMINNA, FULOKOJA, and PAAU also displayed commendable performance across the games, keeping the competitive spirit alive ahead of the main NUGA tournament.
- The female teams from UNIABUJA particularly stood out with convincing victories in basketball and volleyball, reinforcing the university’s investment in women’s sports development.
🏆 Looking Ahead: NUGA 2025 Prospects
With the Pre-NUGA event serving as a buildup to the main NUGA Games 2025, UNIABUJA’s strong showing sends a clear message to other universities nationwide. The institution’s balance across different sports demonstrates a commitment to developing well-rounded athletes who can compete at the national and international university levels.
Fans, coaches, and sports enthusiasts are already looking forward to seeing which teams will convert this early momentum into NUGA gold. As preparations continue, UNIABUJA remains one of the major contenders to watch.
Conclusion
The Pre-NUGA Games at UNIABUJA delivered a thrilling mix of skill, strategy, and school pride. From stunning basketball victories to tightly contested football matches, the event captured the true essence of Nigerian university sports. As the teams advance to the semi-finals and beyond, the spirit of healthy competition continues to burn brightly—proving once again that Nigerian students are not only academically talented but also athletically exceptional.
