Last Updated on July 22, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

… Bursary/PR Wins Gold in Football

By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu

The 2025 edition of the Staff Unity Games at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) reached a resounding climax on July 16, 2025, as staff members across the University came together in spirited competition and celebration of wellness, camaraderie, and excellence.

In a display of both strategic prowess and athletic agility, the Vice-Chancellor’s Office (VCO) team emerged overall champion, clinching four Gold medals across various events. Meanwhile, the Bursary/PR team stamped their authority on the football pitch, claiming the title of FUNAAB’s Best Football Team after a gripping final.

The football finals between the VCO and Bursary teams ended in a goalless draw, sending the match into a penalty shootout. The Bursary side delivered a flawless performance, winning 3-0 on penalties and lifting the trophy amid cheers from colleagues and supporters.

The chessboard was another arena of mental battle, with Mr. Kperegbeyi Toritsereju of the Postgraduate School team claiming Gold in the Men’s Chess category. Mr. Adewole Oduwole (Bursary/PR) bagged Silver, while Bronze Medals were jointly awarded to Mr. Adebiyi Williams (DUFARMS) and Mr. Friday Igbinakhase (COLPLANT).

Delivering his closing remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, expressed gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to staff development beyond office walls. He commended the Director of the Sports and Wellness Centre, Dr. Samuel Olabanji, for his outstanding coordination of the event, emphasising that such events should be sustained to promote health, team bonding, and morale across units.

Earlier, Dr. Olabanji had appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering support and also thanked Mr. Ayoola Omoola of Okababa Farms Ltd for sponsoring the event and for supporting rehabilitation work on the sports pitch.

The atmosphere was further lit up with a colourful march parade featuring groups such as the Staff School Team, COLBIOS, VCO Team, Bursary, and the FUNAAB Falcon Babes.

In a light-hearted Novelty Match, the Management Team narrowly defeated the FUNAAB Falcon Babes 1-0 with a second-half goal.

Awards were presented to outstanding performers including:

🔺 Best Supportive Head: Prof. Iyabode Kehinde

🔺 Highest Goal Scorer & Most Valuable Player: Mr. Ayobami Sofoluwe (Bursary/PR) – 4 goals

🔺 Best Goalkeeper: Mr. Abayomi Bannes (VCO)

🔺 Best March Parade: COLBIOS

🔺 Football Champions: Bursary/PR Team