The atmosphere on the Tamale Campus of University for Development Studies (UDS) was electrifying on Thursday as management, staff students, alumni, and well-wishers gathered for a grand durbar to welcome home the gallant heroes who conquered the world at the FISU Universities World Football Tournament in Dalian, China.

From the moment the victory parade entered the university, ululations, drumbeats, and “jama” songs erupted across the campus. Cultural dancers twirled in rhythmic movements, while hundreds of students waving flags and banners turned the durbar ground into a festival of pride. The glittering trophy, symbol of the team’s unprecedented triumph, stood at the heart of the celebration.

Mr. Abdul Hayi Moomen, Director of Public Affairs at UDS, captured the mood when he described how the victory catapulted the university’s image onto the global stage.“Within the period of the tournament, the visibility of UDS increased astronomically. On Facebook alone, UDS attracted more than 10 million followers,” he revealed to loud applause.

“Millions more googled to learn about our university, and the final match was watched by audiences across the globe. This was more than football, it was global exposure.”

He praised the Vice-Chancellor for sending members of the UDS Sports Advisory Committee to China, a move he said “solved problems before they became distractions.” “Their presence allowed the coaches to focus entirely on the game, while administrative issues were handled swiftly,” he added.

For Mr. Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko, Director of Sports, Head Coach of the team, President of Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA), President of West Africa University Games (WAUG), Executive Committee Member of Federation of African University Sports (FASU), and Chairman of its Education Development Committee, the victory was deeply personal.

“We couldn’t have achieved this without the unwavering support of the Vice-Chancellor and Management,” he stated. “With this same level of support, UDS can defend this trophy in 2027.”

The team’s captain, Sulemana Mohammed Asigre, spoke with heartfelt emotion. “We thank Management, our fellow students, and the entire nation for believing in us. There were moments when we felt like giving up, but the thought that we were playing for an entire continent lifted our spirits,” he said.

He recalled how their coach constantly motivated them with the mantra: “If you want to get something you have never gotten, then be prepared to do something you have never done.”

As the crowd cheered, various groups stepped forward with gestures of appreciation. The Students’ Representative Council presented a citation to the team, while the Alumni Association, led by Prof. Terry Ansah, pledged GHC 20,000. The Chairman of the Northern Regional Football Association also presented a cash amount of GHC 5,000.

The highlight of the durbar came when the captain symbolically presented the trophy to the coach, who in turn handed it over to the Vice-Chancellor, a moment that sent the crowd into a frenzy of song and dance.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Seidu Al-hassan hailed the team’s historic achievement, “you have made UDS and Ghana proud. A dinner will soon be organised in your honour,” he announced.

He also expressed gratitude to President Dramani Mahama for hosting the team at Jubilee House, his encouraging words, the cash donation, and the pledge to provide a brand-new 66-seater bus to the University.

Prof. Seidu used the occasion to announce that UDS will host the GUSA Games in 2028.

The Vice-Chancellor further shared breaking news that drew thunderous cheers from the students: “According to the latest Times Higher Education global ranking of universities, UDS has been ranked the best university in Ghana in Quality Teaching and Learning, and second best in internationalisation.”

The campus erupted with pride as students sang, danced, and waved their flags high. The durbar ended not as a mere ceremony, but as a victory festival, a celebration of resilience, excellence, and continental glory.

As the sun dipped behind the horizon, one thing was certain: the UDS champions had not just returned with a trophy, they had brought home a legacy.

Story by Hajara Adam
UDS Media