The University of Calabar Contingent that participated at the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA)  trial games at the University of Benin have been commended for their gallant  performance.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi gave the commendation while receiving the contingent who paid her a courtesy call  in office.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Eno Grace Nta, the varsity administrator said their outstanding performance at the trial game was born out of their total commitment, discipline and focus.

The University helmsman admonished the contingent not to rest on their Oars as they have been nominated to represent Nigerian Universities in the forthcoming World University Games in China.

She implored the players and the coach to redouble their efforts in training with the view to beefing up their God-given talents and skills as they are bound to meet more formidable opponents.

 

Prof Obi specifically showered encomiums on the Table Tennis Coach, Solomon Mathias, Vivian Ekpenyong Oku, a 400-level student of the Department of Business Education, Faculty of Vocational and Science Education who emerged the most valuable player in table tennis, and Oluchi Amah- a 200 level Student of Political Science who also emerged as one of the best players from the institution, and also nominated to represent Nigeria.

She said assembling a star-studded and competitive team was of great advantage to the institution and pledged her unalloyed support for them.

Prof. Obi said that the institution is currently bedevilled by the paucity of funds, which according to her, has made it difficult to achieve some of her set goals, adding that, she will try her best to make their trip a success.

She advised the contingent to take their studies seriously, saying there is an erroneous belief that sportsmen are not always serious with their academic endeavours as they are easily distracted owing to their involvement in sporting activities.

The Chairman, Directorate of Sports, Prof. Lucas Ogunjimi while presenting the high-flying contingent to the University management said the students have made both the University and Nigeria proud for achieving this wonderful feat.

Prof. Ogunjimi who applauded their dexterity, seriousness and zeal throughout the trials expressed optimism that their efforts will propel them to an enviable height.

He appealed to the University Management to do everything humanly possible to ensure that the contingent are well-equipped to attend the games in China.

The Director, of the Directorate of Sports, Dr. Blessing Anam appealed to the Vice Chancellor to expedite action on the contingent's early preparation for the games.

Dr Anam said despite the keen contest from other athletes, the institution's athletes stood firm and emerged victorious thereby earning a nomination for the games in China.

The most valuable player (MVP) at the trials game, Vivian Oku thanked the Vice Chancellor for giving them the platform to excel, which she said, has brought them to the limelight.

She assured the University Management that the team will be of good conduct if given adequate support while also promising that the team will do everything humanly possible to come back with the trophy.