UNN Defeats UNILORIN 3-1 in Semi-Finals as Inaugural Varsity Cup Unfolds

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Lions outclassed the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Warriors, clinching a 3-1 victory in the first leg of the semi-final in the much-anticipated Varsity Cup, a nationwide inter-university football competition. Held at UNN’s sports complex, the thrilling game marked a high-energy clash between top-performing university teams, demonstrating the growing fervor for collegiate sports in Nigeria. MYSCHOOLNEWS was on-site to capture the exciting moments and insights from organizers and participants alike.

The Varsity Cup, launched in 2024, aims to become a benchmark sporting event for Nigerian universities, embodying the spirit of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA). Supported by prominent sponsors Moniepoint and Minimie, the tournament's inaugural edition has witnessed tremendous participation and fan engagement. The competition mirrors the Champions League format, pitting universities from various regions in Nigeria against one another in pursuit of the championship title.

Professor M.G. Yakassai, Chairman of the NUGA Games and professor at Bayero University Kano, spoke to MYSCHOOLNEWS, providing insight into the structure and vision of the Varsity Cup. According to Yakassai, the UNN Lions advanced to the semi-final stage after placing second in the Benin zone behind the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, while UNILORIN Warriors emerged as top qualifiers from the Ilorin center. He confirmed that the match between UNN and UNILORIN was the second game in the semi-final series, following a previous match where Joseph Tarka University, Makurdi (formerly known as Agricultural University Makurdi), defeated OAU to secure a spot in the final.

Professor Yakassai emphasized the tournament’s goal of nurturing sports talent and fostering athletic excellence across Nigerian universities. In a noteworthy development, he announced that the female Varsity Cup is scheduled to commence in early 2025, with twelve teams already registered, marking a significant step toward promoting gender equality in sports.

Dapo Olarenwaju, Marketing Manager of the Varsity Cup, shared insights into the logistical challenges and operational dynamics of organizing a tournament on such a scale. Inspired by the NUGA Games, the Varsity Cup is designed as a “Champions League” for Nigerian universities, integrating a rigorous competition structure with high standards of play. Olarenwaju acknowledged the critical role played by the tournament’s sponsors, Moniepoint and Minimie, in bringing the event to life, highlighting their contributions to ensuring teams’ welfare, managing packed schedules, and maintaining professional standards across matches.

October 31, 2024, was truly a festival of football, where the Varsity Cup brought together students, alumni, and sports fans from across Nigeria to celebrate collegiate sports. With anticipation building for the final match and future tournaments, the Varsity Cup is well on its way to establishing itself as a cornerstone event for sports in Nigerian higher education, promising continued investment in talent development and unity through athletic competition.