The Pan-Atlantic University Alumni Sports Festival 2026 held on Saturday, March 28th, at the PAU Sports Centre in Ibeju-Lekki, was nothing short of electrifying.
The event brought together alumni, students, administrators, and friends of the university for a day of competition and celebration.
The event started with the university anthem at around 10:10 AM, followed by opening remarks from the Vice Chancellor Professor (Mrs.) Enase Okonedo and a welcome address by Dr. Onyebuchi Odianjo, President of the Alumni Association.
In their remarks, they described the games as an avenue of keeping the alumni connected to the body of active students, in line with their motto to “stay connected, stay engaged.”
Pan-Atlantic University Alumni Festival Backed By Strong Institutional Support
Complete Sports, being a proud sponsor of the Pan-Atlantic University Alumni Sports Festival 2026 and vocal advocate of sports as a tool for societal development, was also well represented.
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The ceremonial kick-offs for women’s football set the tone for what would be a spirited day of sports. Throughout the festival, the active university teams competed under the moniker PAU Sharks.
Alumni Teams Face Tough Tests In Women’s Events
In women’s basketball, the alumni team, dressed in all black, faced off against the Sharks in white and black stripes. The Sharks dominated with a commanding 83–5 victory.
Women’s football ran concurrently with the women’s basketball, and the alumni, in orange bibs, battled the Sharks in an all-blue strip. The five-a-side encounter was end to end for the most part and required a moment of brilliance to settle the tie after a deadlocked first half.
Despite a valiant effort from Ebube, who stood out for the Alumni Women’s football team, the Sharks edged a 1–0 win courtesy of a wonderful right-footed strike from Demmy who wore the #21 jersey.
The alumni strove hard but could not find a way through.The male contests brought even more drama and excitement. In men’s basketball, the alumni fought valiantly and closed the gap on the Sharks but could not catch up in the end, as the Sharks edged them 69–60.
Men’s Football Showdown Provides Dramatic Festival Climax
Men’s football was the icing on the cake and lived up to its expectations. The headline fixture saw the Alumni and Sharks locked at 1–1 after full time. The alumni went ahead in the first half before the university drew level in the second.
The alumni had the best of the opportunities in what was a stellar, end-to-end contest. The university team had a goal rightly ruled out for offside, and after 90 minutes, it came down to five kicks each from twelve yards.
The alumni goalkeeper was the hero of the day as he stopped two penalties to help them triumph 4–2, sending their supporters into jubilation.
Pan-Atlantic University Alumni Festival Atmosphere Boosted By Entertainment And Welfare
Away from the action, the event hosts were wonderful. The Pan-Atlantic University Alumni Sports Festival 2026 was anchored by Chudi and Tamilore, who kept the energy high and the crowd engaged.
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A live DJ added rhythm to the festival, while food vendors like Burger King and Ann & Dave Grills ensured no one went hungry. Leadway HMO was also present, giving free blood pressure and glucose tests, including weight and height measurements, at no cost to all attendees.
Dignitaries Grace Pan-Atlantic University Alumni Sports Festival 2026
The Pan-Atlantic University Alumni Sports Festival 2026 was graced by distinguished principal officers, including the University Vice Chancellor Professor Enase Okonedo, Alumni Association President Dr. Onyebuchi Odianjo, Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. Bankole, Registrar Mr. Kingsley, and Director of Alumni Office Mrs. Nkiru Ukachukwu, some of whom presented awards to the participants.
Their presence truly confirmed their belief in the importance of the festival as a bridge between alumni and the university community. The medals presentation was soon followed with photo sessions.
Closing remarks by Mrs. Nkiru Ukachukwu wrapped up the day, and the participants weretreated to sumptuous meals during a warm reception.
By Alli Fesomade
