UNILORIN excels at Zone D Pre-NUGA Qualifiers, Secures Spots
By Isaac Lewu
The University of Ilorin has once again demonstrated its sporting prowess at the Zone D Pre-NUGA Qualifiers hosted by Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, between Friday, September 19 and Sunday, September 21, 2025, as student-athletes from the Better by Far University displayed talent, resilience, and determination across a wide range of events.
In athletics, Unilorin athletes delivered remarkable performances in track and field events. Aina Precious Oluwakayode and Nurain Sheriffdeen distinguished themselves in the men’s 100m, while Ajayi Bibilomo Omoyeni excelled in the women’s 100m and 200m. Abdulazeez Abdullahi stood out in the men’s 200m and 110m hurdles, while Oshinubi Ayodele competed in the women’s 400m. Middle-distance runners Ibiyeye Abdulbasit (800m) and Adefila Semilore (women’s 800m) gave strong accounts of themselves. Endurance runner Folorunsho Michael dominated by qualifying in the 1,500m, 3,000m steeplechase, 5,000m, and 10,000m, with Atoyebi Rukayat Opeyemi also shining in the women’s 1,500m and 5,000m.
In field events, Mustapha Rukayat Kemi impressed in discus and shot put, while Owoeye Timileyin G. competed in the long jump. These feats were achieved under the guidance of Coach Paul Okporuanefe and Dr Dauda-Olajide Rofiat Olushola.
In badminton, Akoh Mary excelled in singles and teamed up with Surajudeen Salwa in doubles, while also partnering with Okunlola Israel in mixed doubles, under the watch of Coach Suleiman Tajudeen. In squash, the team of Durosinlorun Abdul-Raheem, Ibrahim Uzwaht, Oyinloye David Jide, and Akoh Mary qualified in male and female singles, doubles, and team events. Table tennis, coached by Mr Abdulrahman Issah Alao, also brought pride to the institution with strong performances from Atilola Temitope, Olatunji Olamide, and Oyedeji Iretomiwa in doubles and mixed doubles.
Combat sports equally yielded glory for the University. In judo, Adebayo Usman (-100kg), Lukuman Habeeb Opeyemi (-73kg), Thomas Patrick (-60kg), Ladeji Faridah (-70kg), and Shobowale O. (-57kg) progressed in their categories under Coach Abdulkareem Sulyman Angulu. Karate athletes, guided by Mr. Ismail Abubakar Bolaji, also distinguished themselves as Mohammed Awall (-60kg), Abdulazeez Farouk (-67kg), Ayoola Charles (-84kg), Adeosun Shalom (+84kg), Yusuf Rukayat (-50kg), Ahmad Khifaya (-55kg), and Ayoola Ruth (-61kg) qualified in their weight divisions. In taekwondo, Coach Sulaiman Hamzat mentored fighters Faremi Idris (-68kg), Sheidu Al-Faidu (-74kg), Olayinka Abdulkabeer (-80kg), Muhammed Aliyah Abike (-46kg), Osinowo Iman (-53kg), Adedapo Bushran (-57kg), Adeniyi Solinat Opeyemi (-62kg), and AbdulSalem Aisha Aramide (+73kg) to impressive results.
The Unilorin chess teams, coached by Dr Olotu Olanrewaju, recorded clean sheets in both male and female categories to qualify with distinction. The male volleyball team, under Prof. Sanusi Arimiyau Akanji, equally secured qualification.
Although the University’s basketball male and female teams, tutored by Prof. Olufunmilola Leah Dominic Coach Ibrahim Usman, and the football teams, handled by Mr. Gambari Baba Isiaka (male) and Prof. Ajadi Maumunat Tunrayo with Mr. Fadayomi Oluwayomi Gabriel (female), did not scale through, their efforts reflected promise for future tournaments. Similarly, female handball, coached by Dr Bakinde Surajudeen Tosho, alongside cricket, tennis (Dr Abdulrahim Yinusa Owolabi), scrabble, and swimming teams, put up commendable outings, underscoring Unilorin’s all-round commitment to sports despite narrow misses in qualifications.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, represented by the Chairman of the Sports Council, Prof. Raji Mashood Abiola, commended the athletes and coaches for their outstanding performance, noting that their resilience underscored Unilorin’s tradition of excellence both in academics and sports.
Also speaking, the University’s Director of Sports, Prof. Tajudeen Olanrewaju Ibraheem, described the performance as “outstanding and highly competitive,” adding that many of the athletes had also recently featured at international competitions, including the World University Games in Germany.
He praised the welfare and injury management structures provided, while lauding the Vice Chancellor for prompt release of allowances and the provision of adequate transport and accommodation.
Prof. Ibraheem further urged NUGA officials to ensure fairness in future qualifiers by making their presence felt during competitions, stressing that balanced officiating would better reflect the quality of performances.
With qualifications in athletics, racket sports, combat sports, chess, and volleyball, Team Unilorin has set the stage for a strong showing at the forthcoming NUGA Games.
