IKPO IGBINOBA
Judokas of the University of Port Harcourt, UNIPORT put up a majestic performance on the opening day of the judo event on Sunday nicking five gold medals in the seven weight categories concluded.
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Federal University, Lafia split the other two gold medals.
Parading a star-studded team, UNIPORT who are defending the judo crown in the varsity Games did more than just dominate the battles on the tatami mat.
They also stole the show from the spectators’ stands from where their well-kitted supporters cheered, sang and danced endlessly to the admiration of all.
To make the day a special day for the UNIPORT, their sports loving Vice Chancellor, Professor George Owunari was on hand to play the role of Supporter-In-Chief.
Without a doubt, Owunari’s presence in the hall was a massive boost to the adrenaline of the UNIPORT judokas who dispatched most of their opponents in double quick time.
President of the Nigeria Judo Federation, Dr. Musa Oshodi hailed the UNIPORT vice-chancellor a true lover of judo.
“I have to give it to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor George Owunari.
“Throughout today, he has been in this hall not just to support his team but also to help us in our mission to rebrand judo”.
Dr. Oshodi said it’s no surprise that UNIPORT has won most of the contests of the day.
“With a Vice Chancellor like Professor Owunari, UNIPORT will certainly go places”.
The UNIPORT gold medalists at the close of the day were in the men category Benson Progress(-100kg), Micah Frank(-90kg), Muritala Fatai(-81kg), and in the women category Stella Marris Mba(+78kg), Hannah Reuben(-70kg) and Enku Ewa-Ekuta(-63kg).
The other gold medalists were Daniel Madu of Federal University, Lafia(+100kg) men and Joy Asonye of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria(-78kg) women.
The judo event which has turned out to be a crowd puller at these games will continue today in the Sports Hall of the University of Lagos.
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