Barely two weeks after a successful co-hosting of the 11th Edition of the Federation of African University Sports (FASU), the University of Lagos has again played host to the colourful opening ceremony of the Nigeria Medical Students Association (NIMSA) Games 2024.
Held at the Sports Complex, the 2024 edition, tagged “Eko Lawa”, attracted well over 10 institutions from across the country.
The ceremony was nothing short of spectacular as there was a vibrant display of African culture, music, and dance.
Traditional Nigerian drummers and acrobats, serenaded the audience with a powerful performance, followed by a procession of athletes from participating institutions, all waving their flags with pride.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Provost College of Medicine, Prof. David A.A Oke, the Deputy Provost, Prof. Odebiyi, emphasized the importance of sports in fostering unity among the students. According to him, the NIMSA Games is a platform that brings out the best of sporting talents into the limelight through competition and camaraderie.
Meanwhile, in what was the opening fixture of the Football event, the University of Lagos Medical Students succumbed to the superior firepower of their counterparts from University of Benin as they were defeated 0-4 after 90 minutes of action.
Two quick-fire goals via the boots of towering forward, Suleyman Onyema and a further two goals – all in the second half – ensured that UNIBEN got the last laugh against their host in the first meeting between the two institutions since 2015 when UNILAG defeated UNIBEN 2-0.
The University of Lagos which had earlier transformed its Sports Complex into a beautiful sporting venue, showcasing a fusion of modern and traditional African designs.
The enthusiasm in the arena was palpable, with attendees waving flags and singing along to live music performances by some of Nigeria’s top musicians.
The vibrant mix of colors from the participating institutions set the tone for what will undoubtedly be an exciting week of competition.
Other football results on Day One saw the premier institution, the University of Ibadan (UI), run away 2:0 victors over the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
