By Ibrahim Abdulsalam Olasunkanmi (U19MM1123)
In every class, there are stories that bind us together, stories of resilience, unity, and triumph against the odds. For the students of Mass Communication, one of those stories is the journey of our football family, the U19 Warriors.
What started as a small team in 100 level grew into a force that carried not only its players but the pride of an entire department. When Sani Hassan Suleiman (fondly called Alhaji Sani) joined the team 200 level in through Direct Entry, he came not as a player but as a supporter. Yet, the team saw something in him, and was entrusted with the role of Head Coach. That decision, humbling as it was, marked the beginning of an unforgettable journey.
In 2024, as 300-level students, the Warriors reached their first-ever HOD’s Cup final, battling against the 400 level. The match ended 1–1 after a stunning goal from Musty, assisted by Dansadau. The tension spilled into penalties, but warrior's courage prevailed, and for the first time, the HOD’s Cup came home to U19MM.
The following year, history repeated itself. The Warriors proved it wasn’t a fluke but a legacy in the making. Against another determined opponent in the final, they fought to a 1–1 draw, with Abdullahi “Giggles” Adebiyi striking early. Once again, the warriors emerged as back-to-back HOD’s Cup champions.
But the crowning glory came in 2025. For the first time in history, the Warriors stepped beyond departmental borders to conquer the entire Faculty of Social Sciences in the prestigious Dean’s Cup. Sixteen teams entered the competition, but only one would emerge victorious. After narrowly qualifying from the group stage as the “best loser,” the Warriors defied expectations. They blazed through the quarter-finals, the semi-finals, and finally faced the 400-level Sociology team at the ABU Gymnasium Stadium.
It was a hard-fought final, a test of character and unity. Then came the moment of destiny, a brilliant header from Faruk that gave us the lead. We held on until the final whistle. And just like that, Mass Communication were no longer just departmental champions; we were the best team in the Faculty of Social Sciences.
For Sani, being named Best Coach of the Tournament was an honor, but the real glory belonged to the team, the players who gave everything, the classmates who stood by them, and the department that cheered then on. Together, they wrote a story that will remain in the annals of Faculty of Social Science football.
The Warriors’ journey ended with three historic trophies:
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🏆 Two-time HOD’s Cup Champions
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🏆 One-time Dean’s Cup Champions
But beyond the silverware, the U19 Warriors gave Mass Communication something priceless: a legacy of unity, resilience, and victory. From the fearless goalkeepers Abdulqawi Bigi and Hasanic Mabweh, to the sharp brilliance of Dansadau, Giggles, Faruk, and Mustapha Effect, to every single teammate who wore the jersey with pride, this is your story. This is your triumph.
To my brothers on the pitch and my colleagues off it, this tribute is for you. Thank you for proving that when we stand together, we are unstoppable.
Long live the U19 Warriors. Long live Mass Communication.