The 27th Nigerian University Games (NUGA), hosted by the University of Jos, will be remembered as the edition that broke traditions, shattered monopolies, and redefined the competitive landscape of university sports in Nigeria. For two weeks, the Plateau State capital became the epicenter of athletic excitement, historical milestones, viral moments, controversies, infrastructural concerns, and the rise of new powerhouses. NUGA 2025 did more than produce winners it triggered a national conversation on governance, investment, athlete development, and the urgent need for structural reform in university sports. For decades, NUGA competitions followed a predictable pattern dominated by a few elite institutions. This year, however, everything changed. Dynasties crumbled, new champions emerged, underdogs rose, and long-forgotten programs reclaimed national attention. It was the most dramatic shift the competition had seen in more than twenty years.
A Tournament without Its Defending Champion
One of the biggest talking points long before the opening ceremony was the absence of the defending champions, the University of Port Harcourt. Uniport had dominated NUGA for over a decade, building a dynasty that set the gold standard for university sports in Nigeria. Their sudden withdrawal created an extraordinary vacuum one that inspired hope in mid-tier universities and triggered a fierce race for the top spot. Without Uniport in the picture, institutions that had spent years finishing behind the perennial champions suddenly sensed opportunity. This shift in competitive psychology changed the dynamics of every sporting event and opened the pathway for what became the most unpredictable NUGA tournament in recent memory.
BIU’s Golden Breakthrough: A Victory Built on Vision and Investment
No institution grabbed the spotlight like Benson Idahosa University (BIU). The private university from Edo State shocked the nation by finishing 1st overall, securing 23 gold medals, and topping the official medals table. Unlike past surprise champions, BIU’s success was not accidental. Over the years, the university has heavily invested in athlete welfare, sports development, and a recruitment model built on full and partial sports scholarships. Remarkably, every BIU athlete at NUGA 2025 is on scholarship an approach similar to top NCAA universities in the United States.

This scholarship-driven model fostered loyalty, discipline, competitive hunger, and academic compliance. Coaches, physiotherapists, and performance analysts worked together to create a structured development program for athletes a rarity in Nigerian universities. Their victory was a powerful message to the nation: when a school takes sports seriously, excellence becomes a predictable outcome.

UNIJOS Impresses the Nation: But Controversy Clouds the Atmosphere

As hosts, University of Jos (UNIJOS) entered the competition with the natural advantages of home support, familiar terrain, and strong preparation. Their 2nd-place finish, along with the highest total medal haul (49 medals), highlighted their depth, teamwork, and resilience. However, their impressive performance was not without controversy. Throughout the Games, several delegations voiced concerns about alleged use of machineries to beat the accreditation process. There were unconfirmed rumours of medal padding and eligibility irregularities involving some athletes. Though nothing has been officially proven, the mere presence of persistent allegations cast a shadow over an otherwise inspiring outing. The situation reinforced a deep, long-standing issue in Nigerian sports: the urgent need for transparent, digital, and verifiable accreditation systems. Without it, even legitimate success becomes vulnerable to doubts.

DELSU’s Historic Breakthrough: First Top-10 Finish in Nearly 20 Years

Among the most inspiring stories of NUGA 2025 was the dramatic rise of Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU). For nearly two decades, DELSU struggled to break into the top tier of university sports. But this year, the narrative changed. DELSU finished 4th overall, winning 12 gold and 17 silver medals their highest placement in almost 20 years. Their performance represents a strategic transformation built on improved coaching, better athlete management, enhanced welfare, and consistent rebuilding of sports programs. Their success is proof that with vision, leadership, and structured investment, dormant institutions can become national contenders. DELSU’s resurgence became one of the emotional highlights of the Games a reminder that university sports thrive when institutions commit to long-term development.

UNIBEN and LASU Strengthen the New Power Block

The new competitive order extended beyond BIU, UNIJOS, and DELSU. University of Benin (UNIBEN) showed remarkable balance across combat sports, racket events, and athletics, securing a strong 3rd-place finish. Lagos State University (LASU) continued its steady climb, placing 5th and proving that consistent investment and athlete development pay long-term dividends. Together, these five institutions BIU, UNIJOS, UNIBEN, DELSU, and LASU formed what analysts now describe as the “New Big Five” in Nigerian university sports.

Traditional Giants Struggle in a Changing Era

The biggest shock of NUGA 2025 was the dramatic collapse of several former powerhouses: UNILAG- 26th, OAU - 27th, University of Nigeria -51st,  UNIZIK -50th and Uniport –absent. These results confirmed a new sporting era. Reputation is no longer enough. Without planning, modern training systems, athlete welfare, and continuous investment, even the biggest names will struggle in today’s increasingly competitive NUGA landscape.
Facility and Logistical Challenges Demand Urgent Attention
Despite the excitement, NUGA 2025 exposed major infrastructural and organizational weaknesses: The athletics track remained incomplete until late into the Games, swimming events had to be relocated to Abuja due to lack of facilities, accommodations were far from adequate for several visiting contingents, delays affected the scheduling of multiple events. For an event of this magnitude, Nigeria must raise hosting standards. Athletes deserve safe, efficient, and world-class environments to compete in.

Unforgettable Sporting Moments Light Up the Games

Beyond medals and controversies, NUGA 2025 produced some of the most memorable sporting moments in recent history.
Volleyball: Taraba State University defeated Tai Solarin University of Education to win the male volleyball title while Bayero University, Kano (BUK) defeated Taraba State University in the female volleyball final.
Squash: A Family Triumph. One of the most emotional highlights came from squash, where the mother-and-daughter duo Christabel and Charity Dasbak won gold for UNIJOS in the women’s doubles an inspiring story of generational excellence.
Football: The male football final delivered a sensational climax as FUTMINNA defeated Ekiti State University (EKSU) to lift the trophy.
Basketball: MAU, Yola defeated ABUDA to win the men’s basketball title.
Combat Sports & Athletics: Taekwondo, Judo, Karate, and Boxing produced fierce battles, with BIU, UNIBEN, and LASU dominating. Athletics delivered photo-finish races and incredible comebacks despite the track’s late completion.

Integrity, Transparency, and Reform: Charting the Path Forward

The Games made one thing abundantly clear: the future of university sports in Nigeria depends on strong governance. To protect the integrity of competitions, NUGA must urgently adopt:
- Biometric and digital accreditation
- Clear athlete eligibility databases
- Independent results auditing
- Transparent oversight committees
- Firm sanctions for violations

Conclusion:

A New Era Has Begun
NUGA 2025 marked the beginning of a new era one defined by opportunity, unpredictability, and rising institutions.
The future is brighter, more competitive, and more exciting than ever.