BENIN CITY — April 29, 2026: Wellspring University’s fledgling rugby outfit, the Wellspring Warlords, delivered an upset Wednesday with a 21-0 rout of Edo State’s B team in a friendly that opened the university’s matriculation ceremony at the Wellspring University Sports Arena.
The match drew a strong turnout of university officials led by Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Patrick Ohikhena, who represented Vice Chancellor Prof. Rotimi Ajayi. Also in attendance were Prof. Eyinna Okpara, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, and Sports Director Dr. Mathew Onuh Udaya. Mrs. Sabina Chikwele, Executive Director of Sports Development, stood in for Edo State Sports Commission Chairman Hon. Desmond Aladin Enabulele.
Prof. Ohikhena performed the ceremonial kick-off and said he was struck by the growing profile of women’s rugby, noting Edo State’s position as national champions. He pledged Wellspring’s “full support” for the sport, which was recently introduced to the campus by Edo State Rugby Head Coach Obong Ntiense Williams and a team of coaches from Lagos and Edo State.
Edo State’s B team rebounded to claim the next two games, 19-5 and 12-0. The final fixture produced the most intensity, with bone-crunching tackles and crisp passing bringing students and staff to their feet and pushing spectators to the touchline.
Reacting to the day’s play, Head Coach Obong Ntiense Williams of the Edo State Rugby Association said the performance of the new university side exceeded expectations. “For a team just formed, the Warlords showed character and discipline to beat an Edo State side 21-0. That tells you the hunger is there,” Williams said. “We came here to plant rugby at Wellspring, and today proves the seed will grow. With continued fixtures and coaching, these students can compete at the highest level while building the values the sport teaches — resilience, teamwork, and respect.”
Speaking for the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ohikhena restated Wellspring’s commitment to rugby, citing its role in students’ physical and academic development, and welcomed future fixtures.
*Results*
Match 1: Wellspring Warlords 21, Edo State B Team 0
Match 2: Edo State B Team 19, Wellspring Warlords 5
Match 3: Edo State B Team 12, Wellspring Warlords 0
