UNIZIK Clinches Gold at OJINAM Memorial Volleyball Tournament, Bags ₦350,000 Prize The Mixed Volleyball Team of Nnamdi Azikiwe University has emerged champions of the 2026 OJINAM...
UNIZIK Clinches Gold at OJINAM Memorial Volleyball Tournament, Bags ₦350,000 Prize
The Mixed Volleyball Team of Nnamdi Azikiwe University has emerged champions of the 2026 OJINAM Memorial Mixed Volleyball Tournament after an outstanding unbeaten run throughout the competition, reinforcing the university's growing reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate sports.
The four-day tournament, organised by the Okeke Joshua Ifenna Memorial Foundation (OJINAM), concluded on Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Nnewi, Anambra State, with Team UNIZIK claiming the coveted gold medal after overcoming some of the strongest volleyball clubs and university teams in the country.
UNIZIK began its title-winning campaign with commanding performances in the group stage, defeating Master Buster 2–0, overcoming the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Volleyball Club 2–0, and recording another straight-set victory over Dominican Spikers by 2–0 to finish top of Group B.
The team maintained its impressive form in the knockout stage, edging the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) Volleyball Spikers 2–1 in a thrilling semi-final encounter before defeating Legacy Volleyball Club 2–1 in a fiercely contested final to emerge overall champions of the tournament.
In recognition of the team's exceptional display throughout the competition, the tournament organisers increased the champions' prize money from the initial ₦250,000 to ₦350,000, describing Team UNIZIK's performance as remarkable and deserving of special recognition.
Reacting to the victory, the Acting Director of Sports, Mrs. Anthonia Chukwudi, expressed profound appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, for approving the team's participation in the tournament and for his unwavering commitment to sports development in the university.
In a message to the Vice-Chancellor, she wrote:
"Good evening, our capacity VC. Once again, the Sports Directorate family wishes to appreciate you for approving that we participate in the tournament over the weekend. We are happy to inform you that we progressed from the group stage to finish in first position and won the gold medal. Thank you so much, Sir. Congratulations to us."
Mrs. Chukwudi also appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to create time from his busy schedule to receive the victorious students in recognition of their outstanding achievement.
Speaking on the team's success, Head Coach Mr. Elo Ezeonu attributed the triumph to discipline, hard work, determination, and the motivation provided by the university management. He noted that the tournament offered invaluable competitive experience, particularly for the female players who are part of the UNIZIK contingent preparing to represent the university at the forthcoming NUGA games at the University of Calabar in November 2026
The latest triumph further underscores the remarkable progress being recorded by the Sports Directorate under the leadership of Mrs. Anthonia Chukwudi and reflects the sustained commitment of the university administration to promoting sporting excellence.
The victory adds another significant milestone to the growing list of sporting achievements being recorded by Nnamdi Azikiwe University as preparations continue for major national and international competitions.
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