FEDPOFFA SOARS AGAIN: Historic Third NIPOSSGA Football Triumph at Auchi 2025

By Olayinka Iroye

By any standard, it was a victory forged by resilience, unity, and an unyielding belief in excellence.The Football Team of The Federal Polytechnic Offa (FEDPOFFA) has once again etched its name in gold, emerging champions of the football event at the 22nd Nigeria Polytechnic Senior Staff Games (NIPOSSGA), hosted by Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State.

This latest feat marks the third time FEDPOFFA has lifted the prestigious NIPOSSGA football trophy, reinforcing its reputation as a powerhouse of Polytechnic sports in Nigeria.

The Polytechnic’s remarkable football journey at NIPOSSGA is reflected in its enviable record:

2019 Champions at Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, Enugu State.

2021 Champions at the 20th edition hosted by Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State

2023 Runners-up, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State

2025 Champions at Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State

From a strong runners-up in Ibadan 2023 to reclaiming the crown in 2025, FEDPOFFA’s resurgence at Auchi stands as a story of determination and redemption.

The championship campaign was marked by discipline, tactical brilliance, and outstanding teamwork.
Before reaching the final, FEDPOFFA recorded impressive victories:

Defeated The Polytechnic, Saki by 2–0, with both goals scored by Otu

Overcame Polytechnic, Unwana with a 1–0 victory.

Triumphed over The Polytechnic of Oil and Gas in a tense semi-final encounter, winning 5–4 on penalties

These victories set the stage for a memorable final at the 22nd NIPOSSGA, where FEDPOFFA proved its mettle and emerged worthy champions.

Perhaps the most defining moment of the tournament came even before the opening ceremony, when The Federal Polytechnic, Offa football team was controversially disqualified by the Technical Team on what was widely regarded as a flimsy and inconsequential allegation, unrelated to the integrity of the team or the competition.

In a decisive and courageous intervention, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Kamoru Kadiri, rose to the occasion, engaging relevant authorities and rallying the support of fellow Rectors across the Polytechnic system. Notably, Dr. Ademola Ebeloku, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, joined other Rectors in ensuring fairness and justice prevailed.

Their collective intervention restored FEDPOFFA’s rightful place in the competition, a turning point many observers believe further inspired the team to deliver a championship-winning performance.

Adding to the jubilation, The Federal Polytechnic, Offa has now been officially acknowledged as the host of the 23rd NIPOSSGA, scheduled for 2027, a testament to the institution’s growing stature and confidence within the Nigerian polytechnic system.

Commendations have continued to pour in from stakeholders and well-wishers.
The Director of Academic Planning, Dr. Wahab Balogun, congratulated the Governing Council Chairman, Alhaji Mashood Ojikutu, members of the 7th Governing Council, the amiable and digital Rector “Mr. Project”, his virile management team, staff, and students of FEDPOFFA for what he described as an epoch-making achievement. “Two years ago, we came second at NIPOSSGA Ibadan 2023. Today, FEDPOFFA is back on the world map on a positive note as the gold winner at Auchi NIPOSSGA 2025. Furthermore, Offa has now secured the right to host NIPOSSGA 2027. This is another laudable milestone for FEDPOFFA.”

Similarly, Engr. Evangelist Tope Ojo extended hearty congratulations to the Rector, Engr. Dr. Kamoru Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, FNSE, FNIEEE, praying for continued growth and outstanding achievements during his tenure, while commending all FEDPOFFA representatives as worthy ambassadors of the institution.

While the Football Team and the entire contingents to the Auchi 2025 displayed exemplary commitment, the following players stood out for special recognition namely: Olamide Ogunsanya, Abdulmajeed, Thomas Onokpise, Rasheed Balogun, Dr. A. O. Adeoye, Musbau Salaudeen, Kola Salaudeen, Habeeb Adegoke.

The Rector of The Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Engr. Dr. Kamoru Kadiri, has congratulated the FEDPOFFA Football Team and the entire NIPOSSGA 2025 contingent for their historic performance “On behalf of the Governing Council, Management, staff, and students of The Federal Polytechnic, Offa, I heartily congratulate our gallant football team and all our athletes for their extraordinary performance at the 22nd NIPOSSGA hosted by Auchi Polytechnic.

This victory is a clear testament to discipline, teamwork, resilience, and the indomitable FEDPOFFA spirit. You have not only made us proud but have also projected our institution positively on the national stage.

I commend your courage in the face of adversity and assure you of our continued support as we prepare to host NIPOSSGA 2027. FEDPOFFA shall continue to move forward, ever forward.”

The Registrar of the Polytechnic, Mr. Gabriel Soko, also felicitated. with the team and the entire contingent “I warmly congratulate the FEDPOFFA Football Team and all members of our NIPOSSGA 2025 delegation for their outstanding achievements at Auchi. Winning the football trophy for the third time in our history is no mean feat.

You have demonstrated excellence, sportsmanship, and resilience worthy of emulation. Your success has further strengthened the pride and unity of the FEDPOFFA community.

On behalf of the Registry and the entire Polytechnic community, I say thank you for raising the banner of our great institution so high.”

FEDPOFFA: Forward Ever, Backward Never!
Congratulations and jubilation, indeed, it’s a time of celebration.
Hip, hip, hip… HURRAY!