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By Correspondent in Minna.
The maiden edition of the Niger State Inter-Collegiate Sports Festival ended in grand style in Minna, with Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, emerging overall champions after a commanding performance that saw them amass 34 medals.
Our correspondent reports that the university dominated the week-long competition with an impressive haul of 14 gold, 10 silver and 10 bronze medals to top the medals table.
Abdulkhadir Kure University (AKU), Minna, finished second, while Umaru Sanda College of Education secured third position in the fiercely contested tournament.
The closing ceremony at the iconic Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium witnessed thrilling moments, including the football final where IBBU edged past their opponents 1-0 to cap a memorable outing.
Presenting medals to the winners, the Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission (NSSC), Danjuma Abdul Masu, congratulated IBBU for the outstanding achievement.
He urged other tertiary institutions across the state to intensify preparations for next year’s edition, stressing that the festival has come to stay as an annual sporting spectacle.
The Reporters recalls that institutions initially registered for the competition, but eleven eventually participated in the nine sporting events featured during the week-long fiesta.
The tournament provided a vibrant platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and compete at a high level.
Newgate University, the state’s first privately-owned university, finished fourth on the medals table with 15 medals,8 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze,while Niger State Polytechnic placed 5th position.
Abdul Masu attributed the success of the maiden festival to the hard work, dedication and resilience of stakeholders, particularly the staff of the Commission, whose commitment ,he noted,ensured a hitch-free competition marked by unity and sportsmanship.
Speaking after receiving the 2027 hosting insignia, IBBU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hadi Suleiman, expressed delight at his students’ performance and commended the NSSC for its vision in promoting grassroots sports development across Niger State.
With the curtain drawn on a successful debut edition, sports enthusiasts believe that the Niger State Inter-Collegiate Sports Festival has set a solid foundation for what promises to become a major breeding ground for future champions.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
