The American University of Nigeria (AUN) has introduced the President’s Cup 5-a-side football tournament, bringing students from across the University together in a spirited competition that promotes teamwork, healthy rivalry and campus community.
The inaugural tournament, held on September 17, 2026, ended with the School of Law (SOL) defeating the School of Information Technology and Computing (SITC) 2–1 to win the President’s Cup.
More than a football competition, the tournament created an opportunity for students from different academic disciplines to interact, build relationships and collaborate beyond the classroom. It also gave incoming freshmen a chance to meet fellow students, form new friendships and become more connected to university life.
The initiative is part of AUN’s broader commitment to holistic student development, with athletics and extracurricular activities complementing academic learning. The competition encouraged students to develop teamwork, leadership, discipline and sportsmanship while strengthening the sense of community across the University.
Speaking to student-athletes and spectators, AUN President Prof. DeWayne Frazier praised the competitive spirit on display and said the President’s Cup would continue as an inter-school competition. “This is going to be the grand championship, and we'll have even more special rewards for the school that wins,” Prof. Frazier said. “We are going to be able to see which school has the best football players.”
He also expressed interest in extending the competition to other sports. “After this competition, we are going to see more—maybe a basketball championship as well between the schools,” he added. “I am really excited to watch you all play.”
All participating teams received certificates signed by President Frazier, the SGA President and the Dean of Student Affairs, while the top teams received gold and silver medals in recognition of their performance and sportsmanship.
Coach Ahmed Sadiq acknowledged the logistical challenges of organizing the tournament early in the academic semester but said the experience provided useful lessons for future editions. He noted that organizers were already working to improve the organization and expand the competition in subsequent years.
The President’s Cup adds another dimension to student life at AUN, creating opportunities for students to connect across academic disciplines while developing skills that extend beyond the classroom. With plans to build on the inaugural competition, the tournament is set to become a recurring part of campus life.
Report by Jummai Paul