As we stand at the threshold of the grand finale of the NIMELSSA HOD Cup 2025, it’s clear that this year’s edition has gone beyond expectations—delivering excitement, excellence, and emerging stars from every corner of the department. From the chess boards to the football pitches, our students have showcased not just their academic prowess, but also talent, teamwork and resilience—bringing to life the powerful theme:
“Beyond the Microscope; Unleashing Potential.”
This isn’t just a tournament. It’s a movement.
🎲 The Mind Games – Opening Day, 24th July
The curtain rose on the HOD Cup with indoor games—Scrabble and Chess, as minds sharpened for battle and strategy was king.
Scrabble Showdown
In a tightly contested event featuring participants from levels 100 to 500, five word warriors locked horns:
Mobolaji Martins (MLS500)
Godswill (MLS400)
Tega (MLS300)
Eboehi Orobosa (MLS200)
Eworitsemogha (MLS100)
After a series of intense rounds, it was Mobolaji Martins who rose above the rest, claiming the first gold medal of the HOD Cup 2025. Her command of language and strategic word placement earned her victory, while Eboehi Orobosa secured a commendable silver medal, finishing as runner-up.
Chess – The Game of Kings and Queens
Chess brought together some of the department’s sharpest minds:
Zion (MLS230)
Focado (MLS230)
Clinton (MLS200)
Effort (MLS200)
Anointed (MLS220)
Daniel (MLS210)
After thrilling encounters, Zion and Focado emerged as the finalists. Their match was a battle of nerves, stretching into three intense rounds. Ultimately, Zion triumphed 2-1, claiming the chess gold medal, while Focado’s gallant effort earned him silver.
🏃♂️ Track & Field Events – 26th July
The tempo shifted outdoors, where speed, endurance, and determination lit up the track. The races were a show of athletic excellence, with standout performances across the board.
100m (Female): Bola (MLS200) – 🥇
100m (Male): Aisosa (MLS210) – 🥇
200m (Female): Dhamie (MLS210) – 🥇
200m (Male): Ebuka (MLS230) – 🥇
400m (Male): Daniel (MLS210) – 🥇
Relay Race Champions (MLS210): Chibuike, Dhamie, Ayo, Aisosa – 🥇
The track events concluded with cheers, medals, and momentum heading into the most anticipated part of the tournament—football.
⚽ Football – Where Dreams Are Made
Football ignited the HOD Cup spirit, bringing together skill, passion, and fierce competition in both male and female categories.
Matchday 1 – 26th July
MLS210 (Lab Titans) vs MLS230 (Lab Lions)
It was a tactical battle. Eseosa’s brilliant goal made the difference as Lab Lions claimed a 1-0 victory.
Man of the Match: Solomon (Lab Lions GK) – 4 vital saves, clean sheet heroics.
MLS220 (Lab Dynamo) vs MLS240 (Lab Phoenix)
Phoenix shocked everyone with a 2-0 win, marking a dream debut. Goals by Hanson and Collins sealed the victory.
MOTM: Collins (Lab Phoenix Captain) – 4 dribbles, 3 chances created, 1 goal.
Matchday 2 – 28th July
MLS210 vs MLS240
A goalless draw, but filled with action.
MOTM: Michael (Lab Titans GK) – 6 saves, 4 high claims, 1 clean sheet.
MLS220 vs MLS230
Lab Lions showed dominance again, winning 1-0.
Victor’s stunning free-kick was the match-winner.
MOTM: Victor (Lab Lions Captain) – 3 tackles, 5 clearances, 3 aerial duels.
Matchday 3 – 29th July
Female Football:
MLS230 (Lab Lioness) vs MLS210 – Walkover win (3-0) for Lab Lioness as MLS210 did not show.
MLS220 vs MLS240 (Female) – Postponed.
Matchday 4 – 30th July
MLS220 vs MLS240 (Female)
A tightly contested match decided by a solo goal from Angel (MLS240).
Final Score: MLS240 – 1, MLS220 – 0.
MLS230 vs MLS240 (Male)
A high-stakes clash. MLS240 needed a win but Lab Lions edged it 2-1. Goals from Pius and Eseosa ensured their perfect run continued.
MOTM: Eseosa – late winner sealed the deal.
MLS210 vs MLS220 (Male) – Abandoned by both teams. Recorded as 0-0 draw, 1 point each.
Semi-Final Thriller – Female
MLS230 (Lab Lioness) vs MLS240 (Lab Phoenix)
The only goal was enough to help MLS240 get to the finals,after precious scored from a spot kick.
🏅 Group Stage Summary (Male)
| MLS230 (Lab Lions) | 9pts | 4GF | 1GA |
| MLS240 (Lab Phoenix) | 4pts | 3GF | 2GA |
| MLS210 (Lab Titans) | 2pts | 0GF | 1GA |
| MLS220 (Lab Dynamo) | 1pt | 0GF | 3GA |
GK: Solomon (MLS230)
DEF: Emmanuel (MLS230), Victor (MLS230), Divine (MLS240), Ayo (MLS240)
MID: Decent (MLS230), Dree (MLS210), Collins (MLS240), Godswill (MLS210)
FWD: Emeka(MLS220), Eseosa (MLS230)
⚔️ The Final Battle – August 1st, 2025
Male Final
MLS230 (Lab Lions) vs MLS200 (Lab Lucerna)
📍 Main Bowl, Sports Complex
🕙 10AM
Female Final
Ist August, 2025.
MLS240 (Lab Phoenix) vs MLS200 (Lab Lucerna)
📍 UBTH Staff School Field
8:30 Am
🏆 Final Words
The HOD Cup 2025 has not only showcased sporting excellence, but has also reminded us all of the hidden talents, unity, and leadership within our student community. As we await the grand finale, the question remains:
Will Lab Lions (MLS230) finish their unbeaten run with the ultimate prize?
Or will the ever-formidable Lab Lucerna (MLS200) spoil their party?
Join us at the Main Bowl. Witness history. Be part of destiny.
Beyond the microscope… potential has truly been unleashed.
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