Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Tofunmi Adebayo
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has once again demonstrated its commitment to promoting sportsmanship and youth development, as its football team qualified for the semi-final stage of the prestigious Invitational 5-a-Side Monieball Competition held at the University of Ibadan (UI).
The tournament, which kicked off on Wednesday, October 15 and ended Friday, October 17, 2025, featured eight selected universities across Nigeria, divided into two groups. FUNAAB competed in Group B, alongside the University of Ibadan (UI), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA), and the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
After a thrilling series of matches marked by skill, teamwork, and determination, FUNAAB and the University of Ibadan emerged as the top two teams in Group B, securing their spots in the next stage of the competition. They will now face Group A qualifiers — the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) and the University of Calabar (UNICAL) — in the semi-final playoffs scheduled to take place at the University of Calabar next Wednesday.
The FUNAAB contingent, which has been lauded for its discipline and team spirit, is led by the Director of Sports, Dr. Samuel Olabanji, alongside Chief Sports Coaches, Mr. Lawrence Odumbo and Mrs. Gladys Ochu. Other members include the Sports Medical Nurse (Chief Nursing Officer), Mrs. Omotayo Akomolafe, and Contingent Driver, Mr. Eniola Akinrinlola.
Expressing delight over the team’s performance, Dr. Olabanji commended the players for their resilience and the University Management for its unwavering support for sporting activities. He described the qualification as “a testament to FUNAAB’s holistic approach to education, where students are encouraged to excel not only academically but also in physical and character development.”
Highpoints of the tournament were the presentation of #50,000 to Ilori Gbenga, a 500 Level, PRM student for clinching the Best Player and to the Director of Sports, Dr. Olabanji who was awarded 2 branded Monieball balls for FUNAAB’s keen participation and outstanding leadership qualities.
The grand finale of the Monieball Competition is scheduled to take place in Lagos, where the top teams from the semi-finals will compete for the championship title.
Pictures are attached below 👇
