The story of the University of Development (UDS) men’s football team’s top finish centers around determination and perseverance.
The team’s development from finishing third at the 2022 African University Games to becoming gold medalists in 2024 despite losing all its members showed the level of rebuilding by the school team’s coaching staff.
This journey has not been without its challenges. UDS coach White Samuel Jojo recalled the mixed emotions that inspired his team’s preparations, saying, “For a team that was anticipating the match, the days of preparation were associated with pain, excitement and fear.” he said.
Coach Samuel Jojo credited the team’s unwavering determination, mental strength and unity for the victory.
“It was a tough job and I have to say that my sons’ mental strength, determination and togetherness paid off,” he said in an interview with Premium Times.
The academic break also helped, allowing the team to hone their skills through a two-week intensive training camp. This means that players sacrifice summer vacation and family time to train intensively. “We were apart from our loved ones, but we became a family,” the coach said.
“We did little camping in the two weeks before coming to Lagos because school was still on vacation and most of the students were in the area for their second semester program.”
Financial support promotion article page
Nigerians need trustworthy journalism. Please help us by reporting.
Support fact-based journalism made by Nigerians, for Nigerians. Our thoroughly researched reporting relies on support from readers like you.
By making a small donation, you can help us keep our news free and accessible to everyone.
Every contribution helps ensure we can continue to provide only quality journalism and stories that matter, without paywalls.
Support now x Do it later
An unused stone becomes a cornerstone
UDS midfielder Alhassan Ezzedine was the mainstay of the team at the 11th All African University Games (FASU), leading his team to victory with an impressive tally of goals.
He emerged as the unlikely hero of UDS’ victory in the football final against the University of Lagos last Sunday. Hours after the victory, the midfielder’s breathtaking journey from benchwarmer to top scorer overwhelmed him with emotion.
Alhassan Ezzeldeen (highest scorer in men’s soccer with 6 goals)
Alhassan was praised by fans and teammates after his two goals in the final, and was called a “savior”. The 20-year-old midfielder stood teary-eyed after the final whistle, taking in his team’s incredible success.
Tears filled Alhassan’s eyes again when he received the men’s soccer top scorer award. The 20-year-old’s six goals in the tournament helped his team from the university in Tamale, Ghana, qualify for the FISU World University Games to be held in China in 2025.
Alhassan’s impressive performance saw him score against top opponents, including a goal against Nkumba University, a hat-trick against Jos University and a decisive brace in the final against Lagos University.
The university won a bronze medal at the previous competition held in Kenya in 2022, but missed the chance and finished third behind Kenya’s Kenyatta University and Guinea’s Kindia University.
“I prophesied to him and he is my team player at Northern City. When I came all the way back from Tamale, I told him he would win here and he won it. ” Alhassan coach Samuel Jojo told Premium Times after the match.
Alhassan told his story in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES.
Alhassan said in a trembling voice, “I started this tournament as a substitute player, but I plan to finish with six goals.” “I thank God for this amazing turnaround. The support of my teammates during the tournament was invaluable.”
Alhassan struggled to overcome his emotions and express his feelings. “I’m speechless. It’s an incredibly emotional moment.”
Long road to glory: UDS’s tough journey to success
Alhassan’s voice was full of conviction as he recounted UDS’ difficult journey to Lagos, Nigeria. “This trip wasn’t about fun. It was about perseverance.”
“What I went through leading up to this tournament was not easy. I was quite tired as I was traveling from the northern part of Ghana. Before coming to Lagos, I had to go to the southern part of Ghana first. So I was pretty tired by the time I got here.”
The UDS team’s path to victory in the men’s soccer division was paved with fatigue, pain and determination. The journey from Tamale in northern Ghana to Lagos in Nigeria was a marathon.
Alhassan revealed that he faced a daunting 444km, 13-hour road trip from Tamale to Accra, followed by another grueling 18-hour journey to Lagos. “We spent more than a day on the road, but our focus never wavered.”
The Northern City player and 400-level basic education student recalled the team’s overall determination: We were determined to win and we achieved it. we thank God. ”
Team UDS after the gold medal award
UDS played six matches and recorded only one loss and one draw during the tournament. They scored nine goals and conceded just two.
Games played:
UDS 1:0 UNILAG
University of Cancan, Guinea 1:0 UDS
UDS 4:1 Nkumba University of Guinea
UDS 5:0 University of Jos
UDS 0:0 Federal University of Oyekuti (4:2 penalty)
UDS 3:0 UNILAG
Most UDS players in the league
Coach Samuel Jojo said the team’s victory was due to thorough preparation and players’ active participation in the league. He also said the team followed instructions for field players aged 25 and under during the tournament.
“Two of us who are pursuing master’s degrees are still under 25 years old. The oldest will be 25 in December, but I have never brought an outsider to this match,” he said. Ta.
“We prepared very well. We only had three weeks to prepare for this competition. The secret is that most of them are playing for clubs. I coach in (Northern City of Tamale). It was the sixth week of the league before we went into the tournament. Some of them were already a little active.”
Ibrahim Hamdallah, one of the team’s oldest players and a master’s student, stressed that concentration was the key to victory.
“We were very focused. We knew this was the final and everyone expected the home team to win, so even though it’s against the host country, we had the advantage we had in the match. I was focused enough to make the most of it.”
Goalkeeper Emmanuel Edo, who kept four clean sheets in the tournament, said attentiveness was a factor in his success.
“You just have to be determined. And for me, a clean sheet has always been my wish. I don’t joke when I’m at the goal post. I’m in good control defensively. And when it comes to kicks and aerial balls, I don’t joke. I don’t joke.”
Ed, a huge fan of Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen, attributed his success to God.
“The other thing is, I believe in God. Without God, we’re nothing. I know there’s a lot going on, but I don’t care. I only believe in God. I believe, and God helped me.”
players’ promise
Ibrahim Hamdallah, a master’s student and senior ICT assistant at the university, told PREMIUM TIMES that he intends to make Africa proud at the World University Games to be held in China in November.
“We are going to make Africa proud. We are not going to sleep. Once we get to Tamale, we will rest and go right back to camp.”
Alhassan also added that the team will take the necessary measures ahead of the competition in China.
“I will go back, get some rest and start preparing properly for the tournament.”
Support PREMIUM TIMES’ honest and trustworthy journalism
At Premium Times, we strongly believe in quality journalism. Recognizing that not everyone can afford expensive news subscriptions, we are committed to delivering carefully researched and fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you turn to Premium Times for daily updates, in-depth investigations of pressing national issues, or interesting stories, we value our readership.
It’s important to recognize that producing news is expensive, and we pride ourselves on never putting our stories behind walls of exorbitant compensation.
To sustain our commitment to free and accessible news, would you consider supporting us with a small monthly donation?
contribute
Text Ad: Call Willy – +2348098788999
