President John Dramani Mahama has rewarded the University for Development Studies with a cash prize of GH¢500,000 following their groundbreaking triumph at the 2025 FISU World University Football Cup in China.
The presentation, made at the Presidency on Monday, October 7, 2025, celebrates what many are calling the most significant achievement in Ghanaian university sports history.
The Tamale-based institution etched their name into the annals of African football when they defeated defending champions Paulista University of Brazil 2-1 in extra time at the Suoyuwan Stadium in Dalian, China, on September 28, 2025.
This victory makes UDS the first African university to claim the prestigious tournament, breaking Brazil’s dominance in the competition.
The road to glory was nothing short of remarkable. The UDS team arrived in China as underdogs but quickly proved their mettle by remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Their journey to the final showcased not just technical ability but extraordinary mental fortitude, qualities that would prove decisive in the championship match.
Against a Paulista side that had conquered the tournament in 2023, the Ghanaian students demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline that belied their outsider status.
The final itself was a testament to their fighting spirit. After falling behind to the Brazilian champions, UDS refused to buckle under pressure.
They leveled the score before the regulation time ended, forcing the match into extra time. In those tense additional thirty minutes, where champions are truly forged, the UDS boys found their moment of magic.
A perfectly executed play resulted in the winning goal that sent shockwaves through the stadium and sparked celebrations across Ghana.
The team’s return to Ghana on Sunday, October 5, was met with jubilation from supporters and university officials who recognized the magnitude of their accomplishment.
Their success has ignited conversations about investment in university sports and the untapped potential within Ghana’s tertiary education system.
For a university primarily known for its focus on development studies and agriculture, this sporting triumph represents a powerful statement about institutional excellence beyond academics.
President Mahama’s substantial financial reward reflects the government’s appreciation for this historic achievement and sends a strong message about the value placed on sporting excellence at the university level.
The recognition also highlights how sports can serve as a catalyst for national pride and unity, transcending regional and institutional boundaries.
As Ghana continues to produce world-class talent in various sporting disciplines, the UDS victory opens a new chapter for university athletics in the country.
Their conquest of the world stage proves that with dedication, proper preparation, and unwavering belief, Ghanaian institutions can compete and triumph at the highest international levels.
This achievement will undoubtedly inspire future generations of student-athletes to dream bigger and aim higher.
Story Written By rince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
