World University Games: UNIZIK picks ticket to represent Nigeria

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) has qualified to represent Nigeria at the 2026 World University Games in Egypt.

The university’s female football team and volleyball team earned their spots after finishing among the top three at the 27th Nigeria University Games (NUGA), which took place at the University of Jos from November 6 to 16, 2025.

Unizik competed in eight sports: taekwondo, karate, female football, volleyball, male football, tennis, rowing, and athletics.

The new Vice Chancellor, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, welcomed the athletes and praised them for being great ambassadors of the university.

He said their qualification would help place Unizik on the global sports map. He also promised to support talent development in the institution.

A 19-year-old athlete, Mary Ogisi who won silver in taekwondo and bronze in karate said she took up combat sports to defend herself after experiencing bullying while growing up.

Match Commissioner and media officer of the team, Dr. Ikenna Nwokedi, commended the athletes for performing well, especially as champions from the South-East zone.

The Director of Sports, Mrs. Tonia Chukwudi, praised the team for their resilience despite several challenges, including the cold Jos weather, long travel from Anambra, injuries, movement between scattered venues, and concerns about insecurity.

She noted that although Unizik did not win the overall trophy, the university remains one of the strongest teams in the country, giving the team a “95 per cent” performance rating.