By Mahbubat Salahudeen
The University of Ibadan continued its impressive campaign at the ongoing Nigeria University Games in the University of Jos, Plateau State. From the tennis courts to the swimming pool and judo mats, UI athletes are well on their way to becoming one of the top winners in this year’s NUGA. Meanwhile, here are the results from Monday, Day 4 of the games.
Tennis: Onafurume Marches into Quarterfinals
A dominant display from Marvin Onafurume, who continued his fine form in the Men’s Singles Tennis event. Marvin took control early in his second-round match, winning the first set 4–2 and leading the second 3–0 before sealing a straight-sets victory 4–2, 4–0 against Igoche Theodores.
The victory booked Marvin’s place in the Quarterfinals, securing UI’s first slot in the next round of the Singles event. The team could double their representation in the quarterfinals when Abimbola Solagbade plays his second-round match later in the day.
Judo: Three Athletes Advance to the Next Round
UI’s judokas were equally impressive as Ahmed Aminat (52kg), Oluwaseun Mololuwa (57kg), and Ogbah Onyebuchi David (66kg) all qualified for the next round of their respective categories.
Aminat’s performance against LASUED was particularly composed, reflecting her experience and tactical sharpness. With all three athletes progressing, UI’s judo team is shaping up to be a strong contender as the competition intensifies.
Swimming: Consistent Finishes Across Events
Across several events, UI’s Aquatic team turned in commendable performances across the swimming category. Their strong results in the pool reflected not just individual determination but also the growing depth of talent within UI’s aquatic team.
In the 50m breaststroke (female) category, Gloria Eniola Akinyemi finished in fourth position, narrowly missing out on a podium finish after a competitive race that tested endurance and technique. Similarly, in the 50m breaststroke (male) event, Alimi Olanrewaju also placed fourth, showcasing speed and control in one of the most physically demanding strokes.
The 100m freestyle (female) event saw Balogun Aishat deliver an impressive performance, finishing fourth as well. Her timing and stamina were evident throughout the race, as she battled strongly against some of the best swimmers from other universities.
In the 100m freestyle (male) category, UI recorded back-to-back strong finishes. Alimi Olanrewaju, competing in Heat 1, placed third, while Adebayo Joseph matched that result in Heat 2, both demonstrating precision, pace, and a fighting spirit that underlined the quality within the team.
The standout performance came in the 200m Backstroke (women) with Gloria Eniola Akinyemi, who was recently named the best sportswoman of the year, clinching a silver medal. She was also a part of the quadruple who came second in the 4×100m Mixed Freestyle Relay alongside Alimi Olanrewaju, Adebayo Joseph, and Balogun Aishat. These wins signal a strong potential for medals in the coming days.
Although the swimmers narrowly missed out on medals, their performances signalled steady progress and competitiveness. With results like these, the University of Ibadan’s swimming team has set a solid foundation for better finishes in subsequent rounds and future tournaments.
Football: Stalemate Against Unical
UI’s men’s football team are now in the quarter finals of the tournament, having defeated Lagos State University 2-0 in the opening encounter in the group stage, followed by a goalless draw against the University of Calabar (Unical).
Despite creating several scoring chances, the Premier University couldn’t find the finishing touch. The result keeps UI in contention for a knockout spot, with their third and final group stage match scheduled against Usman Danfodio University.
Chess: Mixed Fortunes Across Rounds
It was a busy day on the chessboards as the University of Ibadan recorded a blend of wins and close battles.
In the male category, UI began their campaign on a winning note, edging Bayero University, Kano by 2½–1½ in the opening round. However, they suffered a setback in Round 2, losing ½–3½ to the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). The team bounced back impressively in Round 3, defeating Rivers State University with a commanding 3–1 scoreline, reaffirming their competitive edge and resilience.
On the female side, it was a day of close encounters. The team drew 2–2 with Gombe State University in the first round, before narrowly losing 11⁄2-21⁄2 to Federal University of Technology, Minna in the second. They wrapped up the day with another hard-fought 2–2 draw against the University of Jos, reflecting both the balance and competitiveness of the field.
With strong results in the men’s category and competitive draws in the women’s, the University of Ibadan chess team remains well-positioned as the rounds progress.
Table Tennis: Promising Start, Tough Finish
However, the table tennis singles events produced some moments of brilliance despite eventual defeats.
In the Men’s Singles, Opara Charles defeated his FUOYE opponent 3–0 in the best-of-three format, while in the Women’s Singles, Ibrahim Elizabeth outclassed UNICAL 3–0 in a best-of-five match.
However, both players later bowed out as UI’s representatives were eliminated with the men’s singles ending at the Round of 16, and the women’s singles concluding at the Quarterfinal stage. Despite the exits, their early performances showcased their talent and fighting spirit as the team continues their run in Jos.
A Strong Start for the Premier University
Day Four of the NUGA Games in a solid reflection of the University of Ibadan’s balance across multiple disciplines. Despite some setbacks, the team has clinched medals across several categories and is well on its way to the knockout stage in football. With tennis quarterfinal spots secured, judokas advancing, swimmers nearing podium positions, and steady performances in team events, UI’s athletes have set a strong start for the days ahead.
