University of Jos Football Team Aims for Redemption at NUGA 2025
The University of Jos football team is determined to turn their fortunes around after a disappointing performance at the 2024 Federation of African University Sports Games. The team’s captain, George Amila, has expressed renewed motivation to secure gold at the 2025 Nigerian University Games (NUGA), which kicked off in Jos on Saturday.
Amila, who previously served as the university’s Students’ Union Director of Sports, acknowledged that the team faced significant challenges during the continental event. UNIJOS experienced one of its worst football campaigns in recent history, finishing bottom of the men’s Group B with no wins, three losses, and one draw while conceding 11 goals.
“I think during the FASU Games we had a bad outing due to one reason or another,” Amila said. “But I can assure you that this time around, that experience will motivate us. We believe the University of Jos are out for the good. It’s victory or nothing. We are not settling for less. I believe my teammates and I, both mentally and physically, are ready for whatever comes our way, because we know that with God, all things are possible.”
UNIJOS finished 12th overall in the FASU Games medal standings, securing three gold, seven silver, and six bronze medals. However, their football team failed to register a single win, highlighting the need for improvement. Now competing as hosts, the UNIJOS side faces added pressure to deliver on home soil, but Amila believes the responsibility comes with the opportunity rather than an advantage.
“I don’t think being the host gives us much of an advantage; rather, it comes with more pressure,” Amila explained. “To whom much is given, much is expected. So there is really no advantage here. This is our home, our land, but if we don’t give our best, I don’t think there will be any advantage. It’s a fair game, everyone is competing to be the best without any bias or favor. We are ready, and I know the weather will be on our side.”
UNIJOS began their NUGA 2025 campaign with a tough loss of 1-0 to Taraba State University in their opening Group D match. The group also includes Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi and Federal University of Technology Minna. With 16 universities competing in the men’s football event, divided into four groups, and 13 institutions taking part in the women’s category, the competition promises to be fierce.
The absence of the University of Ilorin, the previous men’s football champions, has opened up the race for the title. On the women’s side, defending champions University of Lagos will look to retain their crown in Group C. NUGA 2025 is set to showcase new champions and intense competition in Jos.
Key Teams and Groups
- Men’s Football Group D:
- University of Jos
- Taraba State University
- Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi
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Federal University of Technology Minna
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Women’s Football Group C:
- University of Lagos (defending champions)
- Other competing institutions yet to be announced
With the stage set for intense competition, all eyes are on Jos as teams strive for glory. The University of Jos, despite a challenging start, remains focused on redemption and proving that they are capable of achieving greatness.