Mass Comm clinches UNN Lions’ Premiership title
The Department of Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka defeated Department of Sociology 2-0 to lift their first Lions’ Premiership title. The final which took place at the
- By Chibuike Chukwuka,
The Department of Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka defeated Department of Sociology 2-0 to lift their first Lions’ Premiership title.
The final which took place at the Ikanu Ibaim Stadium saw both teams go head to head for glory in the university’s highest football competition.
The scoreline opened in the 16th minute with an impressive finish from Mass Communication’s talisman, Henry Onyishi, who latched on to a pass in the eighteen yard box and struck it into the top left corner of the opposition’s net.
Both teams went into halftime with just a goal between them. And in the 67th minute, Mass Communication sealed the win through a header from defender Ochor JohnMartins.
In a post match interview, Henry Onyishi described the feeling of being crowned champions as a fulfillment he will remain proud of.
“It’s a dream come true for me. I think it’s the best achievement I have had in this school. I am proud of myself and my team,” he said.
Despite the eventual triumph, the journey to the final was far from smooth. Onyishi revealed that the team struggled early in the competition. “We didn’t win our first two games and I was injured, so there was doubt if we were going to qualify. But here we are today,” he added.
Midfielder Chukwu Bethel pointed to the quarterfinal clash as the turning point in their campaign. “We needed four goals to qualify from the group stage and we scored five. But the real belief came when we defeated Computer Science in the quarterfinals. That was when we knew we could see the promised land” he said.
Bethel also emphasized the team’s underdog status heading into the final. “Nobody gave Mass Communication a chance. We came in as underdogs,” he noted, adding that his role was to “win the ball back and keep the defence solid.”
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For defender Ochor JohnMartins, the victory was a product of sacrifice and discipline. “People don’t understand the preparation and determination. We had to starve ourselves of some pleasures to achieve this,” he said.
He also had a message for future opponents: “They should prepare and bring their A-game. We have a strong bond and play with determination.”
Speaking on the tournament as a whole, the SUG Director of Games, Comr. Odenigbo Fredrick, acknowledged the challenges faced in organizing the competition. “We had issues with weather and funding, but with support from sponsors, we were able to complete it successfully,” he said.
He added that the competition continues to play a vital role in student life. “It brings students together, promotes unity and sportsmanship, and encourages participation in sports.”
He also recognized the presence and support of the Dean of Student Affairs, the Nsukka local government chairman, Dean of Biological Sciences, and other dignitaries who contributed to the competition’s success.
This triumph for the department of Mass Communication marks their first ever Lions’ Premiership title and seals a remarkable journey from uncertainty to victory.
