The FISU Trials reached its Crescendo on Friday as Athletes raised their Games in search of making a podium finish and a place at the World University Games.
The day began with the round 16 Men’s Badminton singles , where Ehimara Lucky,BIU; Emeka Lucky,BIU; Mustapha Mohammed,ABU; and Sofiat Onisola,Unilorin, all advancing to the last four.
The first semi final was a game of Lucky’s, as Ehimare Lucky of BIU, was lucky by defeating his counterpart from the same school, Emeka Lucky, 21-19,21-18(2-0). In the second match, Mustapha Mohammed,ABU, defeated Sofiat Onisola, Unilorin, 21-14,21-16(2-0) to berth in the final.
Meanwhile, in an intense final, it was Ehimare Lucky, BIU, that was ‘Lucky’ again to defeat Mustapha Mohammed, ABU, 23-21,14-21,21-16(2-1)to clinch the gold and a place in the world University Games in Germany later in the year.
Also, in the Lawn Tennis female final, Lagundoye Idowu, BIU, defeated Mercy Alli Monday, Unijos, 6-2,6-2(2-0) but qualified for the world Games. The male final between Rubi Kefas, Unimaid, and Joseph Fortune,LASU ended 2-0 in favour of Rubi Kefas, as both also qualified for the world Games in Germany.
Other Games also produced qualifiers to the world Games. As the Athletes praised the University of jos, for the excellent organisation and provision of first-class facilities that enhanced their performance.
They believed that the ongoing construction and upgraded facilities for NUGA Games at the Unijos campus, will make the games the best ever, coupled with the hospitality of the people and conducive atmosphere for competition.
A gala night was put up for the Athletes, coaches and Administrators at the NDLEA Training school, Katon Rikkos, to celebrate all participating institutions for their performance and cooperation.
According to the NUGA Secretariat, all qualified Athletes will soon go into a one month close-camping before the Games with excellent technical coaches.
Credit: Nathaniel Mobolade, SSI Media.
