Gold Rush and Ground Shifts: The Enduring Story of NUGA 2022 and the High-Altitude Road to Jos

The 26th Nigerian University Games, tagged UNILAG 2022, marked the compelling beginning of a new era in Nigerian collegiate sports. It defined dynasties, announced disruptors, and ultimately pointed the way to the high plateaus of Jos for the upcoming UNIJOS 2025 festival.

The Crown Retained: UNIPORT’s Unbroken Reign

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) arrived in Lagos as the four-time defending champion, and they left having secured an astonishing fifth straight overall victory. This was no surprise; The UNIPORT team was a well-oiled athletic machine. Their strategy hinged on total dominance in the multi-medal events, and this tactic paid massive dividends in the swimming pool and on the combat mats.

When the dust settled on the final day, the scale of their victory was apparent: UNIPORT’s athletes had amassed a formidable total of 120 medals, including an impressive 61 Gold, 29 Silver, and 30 Bronze. This impressive haul of medals confirmed their status as the undisputed powerhouse of Nigerian university sport.

The host, UNILAG, fought a valiant and emotional battle, backed by the thunderous chants of the Akokites. They pushed hard but ultimately finished as the First Runner-up, still earning a highly respectable 86 total medals (33 Gold, 34 Silver, 19 Bronze), with the Women's Football Gold being the highlight for their home fans.

Shaking the Table: Nile’s Bold Entry

The biggest talking point of the 2022 edition was probably the sudden emergence of Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja. Unlike the traditional public powerhouses, Nile, a relatively young private institution, tore up the established hierarchy to land an unprecedented third place overall.

Their performance was a watershed moment, showing that strategic investment can immediately disrupt the system. Nile’s athletes secured 38 total medals, including 15 Gold, 10 Silver, and 13 Bronze. The pinnacle of their campaign was a stunning victory in the Men’s Basketball final, where they overcame the hosts, UNILAG, 66-64, to claim a symbolic Gold. This showed to all who cared to see that the private university sector is ready to challenge for the future.

Further down the log, the tenacity of other long-standing institutions shone through. The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) secured fourth place with 24 total medals, while the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education rounded out the top five with 17 medals.

Faces of the Games: Records and Romance

The Games were truly defined by the brilliance of individual student-athletes:

The Swimming Sensations: UNIPORT’s Ifeakachukwu Godsgift Nmor was the undeniable King of the pool, swimming his way to a legendary haul of 13 Gold and 2 Silver medals, easily earning him the title of the Most Valuable Male Athlete. Matching his intensity was Nile’s breakout star, Akiayefa Timipame-Ere, who powered her team’s rise with 9 Gold and 2 Silver medals in the women’s events.

The Unbreakable Multitasker: Rhoda Adisa of UNIPORT emerged as one of the standout stars of the Games, winning an impressive six medals across two demanding disciplines. On the track, she struck gold in the 3,000m, 5,000m, and 10,000m, while adding a silver in the 1,500m. She then carried her brilliance onto the judo mat, where she claimed another gold and silver in the women’s 48kg category, a rare feat of versatility that underlined her as one of NUGA’s defining athletes.

The Happily Ever After: One of the most heartwarming moments of the Games came from the track, where Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria athletes Sunday Ambule and Sa’adatu Hashime turned their double triumph into something even more memorable. Both gold medalists celebrated their victories with a surprise marriage proposal right on the track. Ambule went down on one knee to propose to Hashime, as it sparked cheers from teammates and fans alike. The viral moment perfectly captured the unifying and life-changing spirit of NUGA.

Beyond the podium, institutions like Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) demonstrated enduring competitive fire by making a dramatic run to the Men’s Football Final, only to be narrowly defeated by UNILORIN on penalties. Even the University of Ibadan (UI), though finishing outside the top ten overall, showcased future potential by securing key qualifications, particularly in football, demonstrating that the competition remains deep across the traditional public system.

The Road to Jos: A Challenge of Altitude and Ambition

Now, the focus shifts to the high-altitude city of Jos, the capital of Plateau State, for the 27th NUGA Games in November 2025.

The host, the University of Jos (UNIJOS), is approaching this opportunity with unprecedented ambition. Historically, UNIJOS has never achieved a podium finish, but their strategy to leverage this event is clear. The Vice-Chancellor has publicly promised full scholarships for all UNIJOS students who win a gold medal, instantly raising the individual stakes.

The UNIJOS Advantage: The location itself provides a unique edge. Situated more than 1,200 meters above sea level, the famous Jos climate offers a natural altitude advantage, which historically aids endurance sports. UNIJOS is strategically investing in state-of-the-art facilities for sports like Volleyball and Taekwondo, signalling their intent to capitalise on the home-ground factor.

Will UNIPORT defend its dynasty? Will Nile consolidate its new position as a contender? And will the host, UNIJOS, harness local talent and the Plateau's unique climate to achieve a historic top-three finish? The stage is set for thrilling battles where the next set of national collegiate heroes will be crowned.