Sports: AE-FUNAI Wins Medal in Maiden NUGA 26th Edition

By Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi State has won its first ever medal in the Nigerian University Games through Temple Prince Ebenezer, a 400 level student of the Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences at the 26th edition of the games held at the University of Lagos, Akoka.

The student made history by being the first person to win medals for the University at NUGA finals. He won silver and bronze medals in 10, 000 meters and 5,000 meters races respectively at the just concluded games. Ebenezer while speaking to our reporter described his performance as an act of God, noting that the laurels have put the name of University in the front burner of national discourse, especially in the Nigerian sports community. He ascribed his sterling performance at the games to rigorous training and the support they received from the University Management, and commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom for approving and financing the University’s contingent to the sports fiesta. Still speaking, Ebenezer encouraged other upcoming athletes to keep on exercising , training and building capacity even when they find things difficult, as one day, they could still write their names in gold. Expressing his satisfaction on the performance of the University’s contingent to the event, Head of Sports Unit, Mr. Yinka Olawoyin said, he was happy with their performance, adding that Ebenezer in particular, has made the University proud. Mr. Olawoyin ended by thanking the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elom for first hosting the NUGA Zone O qualifiers early this year and more importantly for releasing the funds needed to make sure the university participated at the NUGA finals in Lagos.