The Aliko Dangote College of Nursing Science, Bauchi, has emerged champions of the 2025 Usman Ya’u Unity Football Cup, edging out the College of Nursing and Midwifery of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) with a hard-fought 1-0 win in the final.
The tournament, which ran from July 27 to August 4, brought together eight tertiary institutions across Bauchi State, including Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Bauchi State College of Agriculture, Adamu Jumba College of Education Kangere, and Sa’adu Zungur University.
At the closing ceremony held at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, organiser and sports entrepreneur Usman Ya’u praised the tournament’s success in promoting unity, teamwork, and youth development. He announced that the event would now be held annually.
Ya’u also awarded scholarships to three outstanding players from Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, covering their tuition in recognition of their performance and sportsmanship.
“This competition has succeeded in uniting students through fair play and friendly rivalry. It’s a tradition we plan to sustain every year,” Ya’u said.
The champions received a trophy, individual medals for players and their coach, and a N250,000 cash prize. The runners-up were presented with medals and N150,000.
Chairman of the tournament, Adam Umar, highlighted the importance of sports in fostering relationships and steering youth away from negative influences.
Coach of the winning team, Aminu Shehu, commended the organisers for the initiative and encouraged its continuation, while scholarship recipient Muhammad Aliyu, a Mass Communication student, expressed gratitude for the life-changing gesture.
