Accra, Oct. 8. President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday rewarded the University for Development Studies (UDS) Male Football Team with GH₵500,000 for winning the 2025 International University Sports Federation (FISU) University World Football Trophy. In addition, the Ministry of Education will present the university with a 66-seater bus.
The UDS boys defeated the defending champions, Paulista University of Brazil, 2:1 in the final of the 2025 World Universities Games held in Dalian, China. President Mahama presented the reward to the team at the Presidency in Accra, during which he officially received the 2025 FISU trophy from Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, Vice Chancellor of UDS.
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President Mahama praised the team for bringing “immense pride and glory to Ghana,” noting that the World University Football Games represent the highest level of international competition for student-athletes. “Competing and triumphing at that level is no small achievement. It demonstrates Ghana’s growing reputation in global sports and the depth of talents that our country possesses,” he said.
He added that the victory highlighted the value of university sports as a bridge between education and professional athletic development while promoting international friendship, cultural exchange, and national pride. “You carried Ghana’s flag with dignity, discipline, and passion. This victory demonstrates that success is possible when we combine talent with teamwork, discipline, and perseverance,” President Mahama stated.
The President also commended the UDS Vice Chancellor, management, and sports directorate for supporting student-athletes and fostering a balanced focus on academic excellence, character development, and sports. He urged the players to remain humble, disciplined, and committed to both their studies and training.
Prof. Al-Hassan revealed that the team followed a 24-hour training programme and expressed excitement about defending the trophy in two years. He also announced plans for a gender-balanced representation at future competitions and stated that UDS would host the 2028 Ghana Universities Sports Association Games, providing further opportunities to showcase the university’s talent.
President Mahama concluded by encouraging the players to continue representing Ghana with pride, saying, “You brought glory to Ghana and renewed faith in the power of young people, education, and sports to transform lives.
