The New Jos Stadium was electric on Day Three of Athletics at the 27th Nigeria University Games (NUGA Games 2025) as emerging stars delivered record-breaking performances and thrilling finishes that kept spectators on their feet. From middle-distance battles to breathtaking sprints and dramatic relay duels, the competition lived up to its billing as one of the most exciting editions in recent years.
The women’s 1500 metres provided a tactical masterclass as EKSU’s Oluwaseyifunmi Igbasan stamped her authority on the field. She controlled the pace from the gun, timed her surge perfectly and crossed the line ahead of Aishat Muhammed of the Federal University Lokoja and Plateau State University’s resilient Aershimana Kerem. It was a mature run that affirmed her status as the athlete to beat in middle-distance events.
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In the men’s 1500 metres, emotions ran high as Kenneth Zachariah of Bayero University Kano clinched gold in a hard-fought race. The BUK athlete broke down in tears after outlasting the competition to secure the title. He was followed by the 800-metre champion, Tanimu Rabiu Abubakar of FUDM, while UNIJOS’ long-distance workhorse Ezekiel Davou settled for bronze. Davou would later embark on an extraordinary medal streak.
Davou’s endurance and hunger for victory came to life again in the men’s 5000 metres, where he powered to gold, complementing his earlier bronze in the 1500 metres. His dominance would continue on Day Three as he returned to claim another gold medal in the men’s 3000 metres, taking his tally to four medals. The home crowd rose in applause as he acknowledged their support with a triumphant salute while approaching the finish line. Behind him were the University of Ibadan’s Elijah Eke, who took silver, and Musbahu Hamza of Aliko Dangote University, who claimed bronze.
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The sprint events delivered pure spectacle as UNICAL’s Iwara Mathias completed the prestigious sprint double. After winning the 100 metres on Day One, he stormed to victory in the 200 metres with an impressive time of 21.30 seconds. Benson Idahosa University’s Julius Umechukwu earned silver, upgrading his 100-metre bronze, while TASUED’s Adeola Adeniji claimed bronze. Iwara later anchored UNICAL’s 4×100 metres team to gold in 41.22 seconds, sealing his third title of the Games.
The women’s 200 metres mirrored the podium of the 100 metres as TASUED’s Kehinde Olanrewaju dominated once more, taking gold in 24.42 seconds. FUOYE’s Taofikat Sulaimon added a second silver to her campaign, finishing in 24.92 seconds, while DELSU’s Favour Olise maintained her consistency by collecting another bronze in 24.94 seconds.
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In the field events, OAU’s Emmanuel Ojetayo clinched the NUGA long jump title with a composed series of jumps. Samad Alade of Osun State University settled for silver, while Joshua Kasimawo of FUNAAB earned bronze. In the women’s high jump, the University of Uyo’s Clergy Edet emerged champion after a tight contest involving KASU’s Patience Lekwot and LASU’s Roselyn Uwadia.
The relays brought intensity, drama and national excitement. Kwara State University produced a near-perfect performance to win the mixed 4×100 metres. Their quartet of Christiana Olalekan, Fatima Shehu, Tolulope Adeyemo and Odunayo Nejo displayed flawless baton exchanges to finish ahead of TASUED and LASU.
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In the women’s 4×100 metres, FUOYE edged TASUED by a narrow margin. The quartet of Adetoun Adebowale, Oyindamola Oyinloye, Favour Dare and anchor runner Taofikat Sulaimon claimed gold, leaving FUTA to settle for bronze.
The men’s 4×100 metres saw UNICAL reaffirm their dominance with a clinical run. FUTA clocked 42.39 seconds for silver, while EKSU’s 42.50 seconds earned them bronze.
The men’s 4×400 metres delivered another standout moment as EKSU powered to gold through the team of Olumide Esan, Ayomide Ajibodu, Toluwanimi Adeyonu and Daniel Godwin. They held off a strong challenge from UNIJOS and TASUED.
TASUED finally earned their moment of redemption in the women’s 4×400 metres. After earlier disappointments in other relay categories, the team fought back to win gold in the final track event of the session. FUTA finished with silver, while OAU secured bronze.
As the sun set over the Jos Plateau skyline, athletes, students and fans knew they had witnessed one of the most action-filled days of the Games. With standout performances from seasoned competitors and young rising stars, #27NUGAGames continues to reinforce its reputation as the heartbeat of university sports in Nigeria.
