Unical and UNIJOS players in action during the 27th Nigerian University Games badminton event
Benson Idahosa University and Ahmadu Bello University are locked in a tight race for the summit of the badminton medal table at the ongoing Nigerian University Games (NUGA), with the mixed doubles final now under way. The result of the match will determine which university finishes as overall leaders in badminton at the 27th Games in Jos.
Coordinator of NUGA Badminton, Bolaji Agarawu, told Campulse News that the event is rounding off despite a difficult start. “We started on Monday instead of Saturday because we lost two days. We are now in the closing stage, and the mixed doubles will conclude everything,” he said.
Bolaji Agarawu, Coordinator of NUGA Badminton.
Agarawu, who has coordinated badminton at the Games since 2008, revealed that the event almost failed to hold due to organisational lapses. “If I go by what UNIJOS had on ground, I don’t think badminton would take place. The equipment was non-existent, and the venue was isolated. It took the technical officials and the host state stepping in to make it work,” he explained.
He added that turnout was lower than usual because some universities withdrew over security concerns. “By normal standard, losing two days should put us under serious pressure, but the reduced number of schools made it manageable,” he said.
Agarawu also criticised the isolation of the badminton venue at Redfield, saying it denied athletes the social interaction that defines the spirit of the Games. “NUGA is not just competition; it is also about meeting people and forming friendships. Holding badminton far from the main campus killed that spirit,” he said.
Players React
University of Jos captain Olubiyi Ayoola said accreditation issues affected their performance. “We couldn’t field our full team. We won our early matches but lost in the quarter-finals. Missing the team events cost us medals,” she said.
Ayoola added that badminton remains beneficial to athletes beyond competition. “It builds endurance, keeps you fit, and sharpens your thinking,” he noted.
University of Calabar assistant captain Eze Miracle said his team struggled with the equipment used at the tournament. “Most of us are not used to feather shuttles. It affected our play. But the Games have been fair, and badminton gives you peace of mind,” he said.
Unical secured bronze in the women’s team event, while the men’s side is yet to claim a medal.
As the mixed doubles final unfolds, the battle between BIU and ABU will determine who claims the overall badminton crown at the 2025 Nigerian University Games.
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