The College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has concluded the maiden edition of its Pre-Med Football Tournament, with the Department of Medicine emerging champions after a thrilling four-week competition that promoted unity, teamwork and sportsmanship among students.
The tournament, organised by the University’s Pre-Medical Programmes Unit, featured 12 departments and culminated in a keenly contested final on July 22, 2026, where Medicine defeated Environmental Health Science on penalties after regulation time ended in a goalless draw.
Speaking at the grand finale, the Coordinator of the Pre-Medical Programmes Unit, Professor Ebere Yvonne Nwamaka Ihegihu, described the tournament as a platform for fostering teamwork, discipline, leadership and healthy living among future healthcare professionals.
She noted that the competition reflects the University’s commitment to holistic education by encouraging students to excel both academically and socially.
Professor Ihegihu expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, for supporting the initiative and announced that all participating students would receive Certificates of Participation in recognition of their commitment and sportsmanship.
In the third-place playoff, the Department of Forensic Science defeated Pharmacy 1–0 to secure third position.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Governing Council member Professor Paul Okolie commended the organisers for introducing a sporting competition that complements academic excellence with physical fitness and social development.
The tournament attracted lecturers, students and other distinguished guests, including former Nigerian Ambassador to Burundi, Ambassador Odii Nwosu, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Professor Ikechukwu Mbachu, and other principal officers of the University.
The event featured cultural performances, presentation of medals and trophies, with Medicine crowned the inaugural champions, Environmental Health Science finishing as runners-up, and Forensic Science claiming third place.
The successful maiden edition is expected to become an annual event, further strengthening UNIZIK’s commitment to producing well-rounded graduates through academic excellence, leadership development and extracurricular engagement.
