The 100-level Nursing students etched their names into the department’s history books on June 26, 2026, after defeating the 500-level team 2–1 to emerge champions of the 2026 Nursing HOD’s Cup at the Amanawa Football Field.

Entering the competition from the semi-final stage, the freshmen first edged past the 200-level side in a penalty shootout to book a place in the final. They carried that momentum into the championship match, producing an impressive team performance to overcome their senior counterparts and lift the coveted trophy.

The final kicked off at 5:00 p.m. with both sides showing determination from the opening whistle. The 500-level team dominated the early exchanges before the freshmen settled into the game and gradually took control of possession. The 100-level side dictated the tempo for much of the encounter, creating more attacking opportunities while limiting the finalists’ chances in front of goal.

Despite their efforts, the 500-level team struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. The entertaining contest kept spectators on the edge of their seats and was widely regarded as one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament.

The deadlock was broken when Martins, playing at right wing-back for the 500-level team, curled a superb free-kick directly into the net. However, the freshmen responded shortly afterwards through Muniz, who beat his markers before finishing brilliantly to restore parity.

The decisive moment came later in the game when a 100-level forward was brought down inside the penalty area. Mathew calmly converted the resulting spot-kick to give the freshmen a 2–1 lead, a scoreline they held onto until the final whistle.

The victory sparked jubilant celebrations among the freshmen, who were later presented with the tournament trophy and gold medals in recognition of their achievement.

Speaking after the match, one of the department’s lecturers, Mallam Bello Sani Shehu Wase, congratulated the champions and urged them to sustain their winning mentality while maintaining focus on their academic pursuits.

He also highlighted the significance of the HOD’s Cup, noting that the competition promotes friendship, unity, and healthy interaction among students across all levels in the department.

The triumph adds to an already remarkable debut campaign for the 100-level students, who had earlier won the Freshers’ Cup after defeating the 200-level team. By securing both titles in their first year, the freshmen have announced themselves as a formidable force in the department and set a benchmark that future intakes will aspire to match.