By Malik Salaudeen Obama

… in a display of true sportsmanship, Dr. Kadiri elevated the match beyond the scoreline, affirming that in unity, there are no victor and no vanquish – only a stronger community


The true character of an institution is not revealed in its moments of seamless disagreement, but in how it navigates disagreement to find common ground. The inaugural staff games faced such a test before a ball was even kicked off. After a number of challenges that threatened to spoil the party and disrupt the event, the inaugural fixture between the SSANIP Club and the NASU Club concluded with resounding success, proving that true triumph lies in fortifying community bonds.

Conceived as a festival of camaraderie by the Staff Games Football Team in collaboration with FEDPOFFA Sports Unit, the inaugural Games encountered an unexpected opening act from nature. As kickoff approached, the skies opened, draping the pitch in a heavy curtain of rain that created a stage of swirling mud and shimmering water. Yet, any anticipation of a retreat was swiftly dismissed by a remarkable display of resolve.

Through the deluge emerged the Rector, Engr. (Dr.) Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, FNSE, accompanied by his complete delegation of Principal Officers and Internal Governing Council members. Forsaking shelter and umbrellas, they proceeded directly onto the sodden field. This was far from a perfunctory gesture; it was a profound act of solidarity. The Rector’s delegation moved along the touchline, offering firm handshakes and words of encouragement to every member of the SSANNIP and NASU clubs. The scene transcended pre-match formalities, evoking the image of a general standing alongside his troops. Each interaction served as a silent, potent testament to shared commitment, a message that resonated more powerfully than the thunder overhead. Their presence was electrifying, the team captain, Mr. Rasheed Balogun who spoke with this writer later noted “The discomfort of the cold simply vanished. It instilled in the players a duty to excel, not only for our team but in honor of their support.”

Excel they did. The ensuing ninety minutes were a display of pure, unadulterated passion. The beautiful game was reimagined as a gritty spectacle of sliding tackles that sent plumes of water skyward and determined runs that carved channels across the pitch. Throughout it all, the FEDPOFFA Sports Unit officials managed the proceedings with impeccable dedication, ensuring the spirit of the game prevailed over the climatic chaos. This tightly contested battle was ultimately decided by a single, decisive moment. A move fueled by sheer determination saw the ball break loose in the NASU area. In a critical instant, a SSANIP player, Mr. Oni Hammed Omotayo from the Sports Unit connected, sent the water-logged ball on a slow, inevitable trajectory into the net. The eruption of joy from the team and its supporters created a wave of celebration that defied the elements. The 1-0 scoreline was held, securing the historic first title for the SSANNIP Club. However, as players from both sides, now companions in a shared, sodden memory, exchanged embraces at the final whistle, it became clear that the true victory extended beyond the scoreboard. It was etched into the mud on the Rector’s shoes, echoed in the laughter of staff cheering in the rain, and embodied by the impeccable organization that refused to be compromised, Also speaking at separate times with this writer, an academic staff from the Department of Library and Information Science, Mr. Azeez Balogun, alias Alausa expressed regret that his Union, ASUP, had withdrawn from the competition. Like I mentioned earlier, this initial setback threatened to overshadow the event’s unifying purpose. However, in a powerful demonstration of institutional commitment, the three other Unions of SSANIP, NOTSUP & NASU choose a different path. They resolved to participate, affirming the games as a vital platform for fellowship and spirited competition.

So here’s the takeaway, the riders truth:
Unity isn’t built in fair weather. It’s forged in downpours. It’s cemented by leaders who aren’t afraid to get their shoes dirty. This Rector’s Cup wasn’t just a game. It was a lesson in leadership. It was a story written not in ink, but in rain and resolve, a narrative that will undoubtedly be cherished for editions to come, a demonstration of spirit, a promise that when we stand together, no rain can wash away our purpose. The ride has just begun. And if this is how we weather the storm, imagine what we can achieve under clear skies.

The First Edition of Rector’s Cup is spearheaded by an executive committee chaired by the HOD of Computer Science, Mr. Aliyu Musiliyu Jide, with Mr. Adegoke Habeeb Abiola serving as Secretary. The rest  of the executives comprising Dr. Adeoye Akeem Olanrewaju (member), Mr. Muhammaed Ibrahim Karofi (member), Mr. Jimoh I. Adekunke (member), Mr. Balogun Rasheed (member), Mr. Mafe Babafemi (member), and Mr. Alanu Ramani (member)

*For enquiries, the writer can be reached at malikobama1975@gmail.com. The views expressed herein are entirely his own*