The atmosphere at the 27th Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) Games in the University of Jos has remained charged with excitement as major events in football and basketball reached decisive stages. Spectators, athletes, and officials filled the various sports arenas, creating an electrifying environment befitting the climax of one of Nigeria’s biggest university sporting festivals.
The male football final delivered intense action as the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) emerged the NUGA Football Champion of 2025. FUTMINNA showcased both structure and determination, defeating Ekiti State University (EKSU) with a hard-earned 2–1 victory. The encounter was a blend of tactical discipline and spirited play, drawing loud cheers from supporters throughout the match.
FUTMINNA’s attackers were particularly decisive, converting their chances through well-timed counterattacks that stretched EKSU’s defense. Although EKSU pulled a goal back late in the second half, FUTMINNA’s defenders tightened their lines to protect their advantage, sealing a historic win on the UNIJOS turf.
In the third-place match, Kaduna State University (KASU) delivered an impressive performance to defeat Taraba State University. The match was competitive from the onset, but KASU’s midfield organization and clinical finishing proved to be the difference. Their victory crowns them as the bronze medalists of the football event.
The final football standings therefore place FUTMINNA in 1st position, EKSU in 2nd, and KASU in 3rd, marking strong showings from all three teams. Supporters celebrated loudly in the stands as the teams received applause for their efforts across the tournament.
In the male basketball category, NILE University stunned the host institution, UNIJOS, with a commanding semifinal performance. The highly anticipated clash ended with NILE defeating UNIJOS by 99–52, a result that left home supporters visibly shocked. Earlier in the opening minutes, NILE led 9–5, but quickly built on their advantage with sharp three-point shooting and aggressive drives to the basket.
UNIJOS attempted to rally back in the second and third quarters, but the relentless speed and accuracy of NILE’s offense widened the gap further. By the final quarter, NILE had established complete control, cruising into the final as one of the tournament’s standout teams.
The second semifinal between Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) was a significantly tighter contest. Both teams exchanged leads in a tense and physical encounter, but ABU held firm in the final minutes to secure a 60–56 victory. The narrow win earned ABU a well-deserved place in the final.
With this outcome, the male basketball gold medal match is set between NILE University and ABU, a fixture expected to draw wide attention. UNIJOS and UNIMAID, meanwhile, will face each other in the third-place match as both teams look to end their campaigns with a medal.
In the female basketball category, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) booked their place in the final after defeating Taraba State University. NSUK displayed excellent teamwork, combining strong defensive blocks with fast transitions that overwhelmed their opponents.
The UNIJOS Queens maintained their dominance on home soil by defeating Bayero University, Kano (BUK) in the second semifinal. Their victory sets the stage for an exciting final between UNIJOS and NSUK, while Taraba State University will battle BUK for the bronze medal.
Drama unfolded in the female football category as the final and third-place matches were paused following a protest by the FUOYE female team. The team raised concerns that all players fielded by the UNIJOS female team were 100-level students, calling the situation “very suspicious” and requesting an immediate investigation by the NUGA committee. The protest halted the expected matches, causing uncertainty among spectators.
A fresh update obtained by The Nigeria Education News Team from the NUGA local officials, however, now confirms that both the female football final and the third-place match have been rescheduled. The matches will now hold on 15th November 2025 at 8:00 AM, with St. Augustine Stadium, Jos, confirmed as the venue. Teams have been instructed to arrive early for identity verification and match preparations.
The rescheduling aims to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with NUGA eligibility rules as the tournament moves toward its final days. Coverage continues on-ground as NUGA 2025 builds toward an exciting conclusion with football and basketball finals still ahead.
