UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor Honours Champion Volleyball Team After Ojinam 2026 Triumph

The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, has honoured the University's mixed volleyball team with their gold medals following their victory at the Ojinam 2026 Memorial Mixed Volleyball Tournament.

The victorious team paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor at the University's Administrative Block on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, after emerging overall champions at the tournament held at Nnewi High School from July 24 to 27, 2026.

Leading the delegation, the Chairman of the University Sports Committee, Professor Akachukwu Dereck Martins Orji, introduced the players and officials to the Vice-Chancellor and commended the team's outstanding performance throughout the competition. He also appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his continued commitment to sports development in the University.

Professor Orji informed the Vice-Chancellor that the team won the championship title, securing gold medals alongside a cash prize. He requested the Vice-Chancellor to personally decorate the athletes with the medals they earned through their performance.

Highlighting the team's journey to the title, Professor Orji presented the tournament results as follows:

Group Stage:

• UNIZIK 2–0 Master Buster
• UNIZIK 2–0 University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
• UNIZIK 2–0 Dominican Spikers

Semi-final:

• UNIZIK 2–1 Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)

Final:

• UNIZIK 2–1 Legacy Volleyball Club

The Acting Director of Sports, Comrade Anthonia Chinenyenwa Chukwudi, also thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his support and encouragement, describing it as instrumental to the team's success. She disclosed that the team's exceptional performance impressed the tournament organisers, who increased the champions' cash prize from ₦250,000 to ₦350,000 in recognition of their display.

Joining the Vice-Chancellor in receiving the victorious team were the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Jane Ezeonu, and the Director of Works Services, Engr. Obinna Ibe, who congratulated the players and celebrated the University's championship success.

Congratulating the players and officials, Professor Anyaehie described the victory as another proud moment for the University. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to sports development and commended the athletes for their discipline, resilience, teamwork and determination.

The Vice-Chancellor also directed sports administrators to ensure that athletes who bring honour to the University are adequately rewarded for their sacrifices and dedication. He subsequently decorated the players with their gold medals amid applause, encouraging them to sustain their winning spirit in future competitions.

The ceremony concluded with a group photograph to commemorate the University's latest sporting achievement.