Benin based Wellspring University’s newly formed rugby team, the Wellspring Warlords, made a statement on Wednesday with a commanding 21-0 victory over Edo State B team.
The friendly match served as a curtain-raiser for the university’s Matriculation ceremony, thrilling fans at the Wellspring University Sports Arena.
The event drew top university officials, led by Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Patrick Ohikhena, who stood in for Vice Chancellor Prof. Rotimi Ajayi. Also present were Prof. Eyinna Okpara, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, and Dr. Mathew Onuh Udaya, Sports Director.
Prof. Ohikhena kicked off the match and expressed surprise at the prominence of women’s rugby, noting Edo State’s status as national champions. He pledged the university’s full support for the sport, which was recently introduced by Edo State Rugby Head Coach Obong Ntiense Williams and his team of professionals from Lagos and Edo State.
Representing the Edo State Sports Commission was Executive Director of Sports Development, Mrs. Sabina Chikwele, standing in for the dynamic and award winning Chairman Hon. Desmond Aladin Enabulele.
Three matches were played in total:
– *Match 1*: Wellspring Warlords 21 – 0 Edo State B Team
– *Match 2*: Edo State B Team 19 – 5 Wellspring Warlords
– *Match 3*: Edo State B Team 12 – 0 Wellspring Warlords
The final game had students and staff on their feet, with bone-crunching tackles and crisp passing sparking near pitch invasions from the excited crowd.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ohikhena reaffirmed Wellspring’s commitment to rugby, citing its value for students’ physical and academic development. He welcomed more fixtures in the future.
