The Management of Federal University Lokoja, FUL, has promised to reward FUL sports men and women who are doing the University proud in various sport competitions, saying handsome rewards await any team flying the flag of the University through sports.

This was disclosed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi recently during a dinner organised in honour of the University's male football team who put out a commendable show at the just concluded Higher Institution Football League Qualifiers match that took place at the Kogi State University, Anyigba with a view to motivating them for better performance.

Although the team failed to qualify, their doggedness and determination to represent the University at the competition despite the short notice was highly commendable, hence the dinner was put together by Management to celebrate their resilience and courageous outing, while serving as morale booster for the team and staff of the Sports Directorate. 

Moreover, the dinner was organized to appreciate the efforts of the team, appraise their second official outing as well as restrategize for better performance in subsequent matches that will earn more trophies and medals for the University.

It was however, noted that in spite of the fact that the team was made up of amateurs and inexperienced but talented young players, mostly in 100 and 200 level, they put out quite an impressive show. They drew with the NUGA defending champion, University of Ilorin, who only equalized at the last click of the extra time of the competition to deny FUL the much needed 3 points win.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi charged the team to continue to give quality representation of the University at all sport competitions, adding that he would spare no effort in addressing all their areas of need such as training, technical assistance, etc. 

In addition, the sport-loving Vice-Chancellor hinted the players that the mini stadium being constructed at the Permanent Site, which testifies to his love for sports and readiness to support its development in the University, would be ready for use in few months time.

Professor Akinwumi equally admonished the players to ensure proper balance between their study and involvement in sporting activities. He restated that there would be rewards for any team flying the flag of the University through sports, while promising them better welfare and support. 

Speaking at the event also, the University's Sports Director, Mr. Yusuf Surajo shed more light on their experience before and during the competition. He reiterated that there were, no doubt, high hopes and expectations, but maintained that the future of football in FUL is very bright as the team that went to Anyigba to represent the University were talented and young, both in age and stay in the University.

The Director of Sports expressed deep appreciation to the University Management under the pragmatic leadership of Professor Olayemi Akinwumi for their immense love for sport development as evidently seen in the support the Directorate has received so far under the Administration.

There were reactions from other members of Management and the team that represented the University, and all alluded to the commitment of the Akinwumi's Administration to sports development in FUL by giving all the necessary support it deserves which is unprecedented.

While making his contributions, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Abdullahi Emmanuel Bala, who led the FUL contingent to Lagos State earlier in March 2022 for the NUGA games, commended the team and the efforts of the Directorate for the quality representation.

On his part, the S.S.A. to the Vice-Chancellor and former Registrar, University of Ilorin, Mr E.D. Obafemi - a renowned FIFA rated and internationally recognized referee, pledged to assist the Directorate of Sports to ensure a more formidable outing in the next competition.

Similarly, the Registrar, Dr (Mrs) Rebecca Okojie, in her closing remarks, reemphasised the issue of balanced academic life and disclosed her willingness to introduce the Registrar's Cup competition in order to encourage the female football team and more participation of women in football games. 

Dr Okojie equally thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his exemplary leadership in encouraging sports development in the University, adding that the VC is a leader who is in touch with every aspect of the students' lives.

In their reaction, the team through their captain, expressed profound gratitude to the University Management for recognizing their little efforts, while promising to make the University more proud in their next outing.

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