UNIZIK Punches Ticket To 2026 World University Games
By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI
NNAMDI Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has secured its spot to represent Nigeria at the 2026 World University Games in Egypt following standout performances at the 27th Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Championships in Jos.
The university’s female football and volleyball teams finished among the top three in their events, earning automatic qualification for the international competition next year. UNIZIK competed in eight sports over the 11-day biennial event, including taekwondo, karate, football, volleyball, tennis, rowing, and athletics.
The team received a warm welcome at the UNIZIK Senate Chamber, hosted by new Vice-Chancellor Professor Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie. He praised the athletes as “excellent ambassadors” and pledged increased investment in student-athlete development to nurture sporting talent.
19-year-old Mary Ogisi stood out, winning silver in taekwondo and bronze in karate. She revealed that her journey into combat sports began as a child to overcome persistent bullying, a path now leading her to the international stage.
Match Commissioner Dr. Ikenna Nwokedi and Director of Sports Mrs. Tonia Chukwudi lauded the athletes’ resilience against harsh weather, travel fatigue, injuries, and logistical challenges. While UNIZIK did not claim the overall NUGA trophy, Mrs. Chukwudi rated their performance at 95%, reaffirming the university as a dominant force in Nigerian university sports.
