Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, has praised the University for Development Studies (UDS) for their groundbreaking achievement at the FISU World University Football Tournament, describing it as an “unprecedented moment in African university sports history.”
Speaking after the team’s triumphant return from China, where they lifted the 2025 World University Football title, Mr Adams said UDS had “achieved what no university in Ghana and Africa has ever done.”
“This is a proud moment not just for UDS, but for the entire continent,” the Minister said. “They have shown that with belief, preparation and unity, African universities can compete and triumph on the global stage.”
UDS made history after a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against Brazil’s Paulista University in the final, a match that saw them recover from an early setback to seal victory in extra time.
Their success marks the first time an African university has ever won the FISU World University Football Championship, a feat that has been widely celebrated across Ghana and beyond.
The team’s achievement has drawn national admiration, with President John Mahama also hosting them at the Jubilee House and presenting a GHC500,000 cash reward in recognition of their historic win.
Kofi Adams called on other Ghanaian universities to take inspiration from UDS’s success and invest in sports development.
UDS’s triumph in China has firmly placed Ghana on the map of university football, with fans and sports authorities alike celebrating the victory as one of the country’s greatest sporting achievements in recent years.