The hockey event of the 27th Nigerian University Games (NUGA) flicked off in high tempo at the University of Jos on Monday, with tightly contested fixtures, early upsets, and candid conversations about the sport’s infrastructure shaping Day One.
Despite initial logistical hiccups, matches commenced as scheduled in four 15-minute quarters, with five universities competing in the men’s category and three in the women’s division.
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NUGA Hockey Chairman, Professor Rasheed Ojutiku, expressed satisfaction with the level of competition and organisation, while acknowledging the early challenges and facility gaps.
“So far, the Games have been fantastic. We had a few hitches at the beginning, but everything is now in order. We started matches at 7 a.m., and the momentum continues tomorrow,” he said, adding that the lack of a standard hockey pitch remains a funding-related concern.
Mixed Fortunes on Day One
Hosts University of Jos (UNIJOS) opened their campaign with a slim 1–0 victory over Bayero University, Kano (BUK), while Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED) stamped their intent early with a dominant 5–1 win against the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID). Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) added to BUK’s woes, claiming a win in their second outing.
In the women’s category, University of Benin (UNIBEN) defeated hosts UNIJOS 1–0 in a keenly contested encounter.
Reactions from the Dugout
TASFUED captain, Usman Ayomide, attributed his side’s blistering start to solid preparation and team chemistry.
“The match went well and was fair. Our victory came from preparation and teamwork. Our target is gold,” he said.
ABU skipper, Ahmed Hassan, praised his team’s resilience after securing a win without substitutes.
“We played with no substitutes but showed determination. We won silver at the last NUGA; this time we’re chasing gold,” he declared.
For BUK, disappointment loomed after a second defeat and an officiating call that sparked debate.
“We were told late that the format would be league, not group matches. We were short of players, and a goal we scored was disallowed for being outside the ‘D’. That cost us a draw,” the captain lamented.
UNIMAID captain, Jibrin Buba, admitted defensive lapses were costly but pledged a stronger response.
“We lost because of poor defensive positioning. We will correct our mistakes in the next games,” he said.
Veteran coach and analyst, Marcus Izang, stressed the need for increased investment in university hockey.
“Universities are talent factories. NUGA must improve facilities and schools should hire more coaches. The pitch condition affected play today,” he observed.
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