Nkumba University etch name in history with World University Games qualification

Nkumba University's women's football team has etched its name into Ugandan university sports history after becoming the first Ugandan university side to qualify for the World University Games.

The historic achievement follows the team's remarkable triumph at the 12th All-Africa University Games (FASU Games) in Cairo, Egypt, where the Ugandan side emerged champions without losing a single match.

The tournament victory earned Nkumba University a place at the World Inter-University/FISU Games, scheduled to take place from January 15 to 25, 2027, in Changchun, Jilin Province, China.

Nicknamed the Beach Girls, the Nkumba team delivered a commanding performance throughout the ten-day continental championship, overcoming some of Africa's leading university teams on their way to the gold medal.

Their crowning moment came in the final, where they defeated Guinea-Bissau's Université Général Lansana Conté de Sonfonia 3–1 to claim the championship trophy and secure a historic qualification to the global university games.

Nkumba had earlier topped their group with seven points, announcing their intentions in emphatic fashion with a stunning 10–1 victory over German University in Cairo.

They maintained their momentum in the knockout stages, producing another dominant display to eliminate Nigeria's Nnamdi Azikiwe University 5–0 in the semi-final and book their place in the championship decider.

For Nkumba University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sulaiman Bbosa, the achievement surpassed even the team's most optimistic expectations.

"This is history in the making and a milestone we did not initially expect to achieve. We were competing against teams we had never faced before, but the players remained focused, disciplined and determined. By God's grace, we are now the African University Women's Football Champions. This is a remarkable chapter in the history of Nkumba University. Congratulations to the university management, the technical team and, most importantly, the players who made it possible."

Bbosa said the team had initially set its sights on reaching at least the semi-finals, but its performances ultimately exceeded those ambitions.

Team captain Sumayah Nsisi urged her teammates to remain grounded despite their historic achievement, emphasising that the next challenge would require even greater commitment.

"We must not become complacent because of this achievement. We have to continue working hard, training consistently and developing ourselves, especially through our local clubs. At the same time, we must remain committed to our studies. Talent is important, but combining talent with academic excellence gives us a stronger foundation for the future."

Her message reflects the broader philosophy of university sport: developing athletes who can excel both on the field and in the classroom.

The team's extraordinary campaign was followed by an equally memorable homecoming, with the champions receiving a heroic welcome upon their return through Entebbe International Airport.