Joel Ajayi
The 27th Nigeria University Games (NUGA), hosted by the University of Jos, delivered a landmark moment in Nigerian collegiate sports with the debut of the Rowing Ergometer event.
For the first time in the history of the Games, student-athletes competed in this intensity-packed discipline, showcasing extraordinary power, fitness and mental resilience.
Athletes from 14 universities contested across lightweight and heavyweight divisions in the 2000m, 1000m and 500m races for both men and women. The competition quickly became one of the most exciting spectacles of the Games.
Medal Highlights 2000m Results: Men’s Heavyweight: Ikechukwu Victor (ESUT) – 7:20. Men’s Lightweight: Tyonkaa Ebenezer (JOSTUM) – 7:56
Women’s Heavyweight: Deborah Omowuyi Kareem (ABU Zaria) – 8:40. Women’s Lightweight: Lucy Yago (ABU Zaria) – 9:05
1000m Results: Men’s Heavyweight: Ikechukwu Victor (ESUT) – 3:20
Men’s Lightweight: Sani Umar (FUDMA) – 3:43
Women’s Heavyweight: Edeh Elora (ESUT) – 4:03
Women’s Lightweight: Aderonke Adelakun (Ekiti State University) – 4:20
500m Results: Men’s Heavyweight: Ikechukwu Victor (ESUT) – 1:32
Men’s Lightweight: Tyonkaa Ebenezer (JOSTUM) – 1:40
Women’s Heavyweight: Edeh Elora (ESUT) – 1:51
Women’s Lightweight: Kasham Katherine (NAUB) – 1:53
The rowing arena became one of the busiest venues of the Games as students and sports enthusiasts flocked to watch the thrilling showdowns. Spectators cheered loudly as competitors battled the clock and their own endurance, producing an atmosphere charged with excitement and anticipation.
Fubara Owonaro, Chairman of the Rowing, Yachting and Canoeing Committee for the Games, celebrated the successful debut of the sport:
“Rowing is a medal-winning sport, and we are excited that this is the first time it is being featured at NUGA. Talents discovered here will be groomed to represent Nigeria nationally and internationally.”
Coach Jimoh Amidu Babatunde of the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation also commended the smooth organization and the commitment of the University of Jos:
“These Games are not just about medals. They build disciplined, skilled and resilient young athletes who will one day represent Nigeria internationally and foster national pride among our youths.”
Special recognition was extended to Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, President of the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation, and Bunmi Oluode, the Secretary-General, whose leadership and dedication paved the way for the sport’s historic introduction to NUGA.
With the next NUGA Games scheduled to take place in Calabar, officials are optimistic that even more universities will field athletes in the Rowing Ergometer events, building on the momentum and success recorded in Jos.
