Nigeria Crowned Champions at Karachi’s International Student Football Tournament 2025

Azad Khan

Karachi: Nigeria clinched the championship title at the International Student Friendly Six-a-Side Football Tournament 2025, organized by the Royal Thai Consulate General in collaboration with Greenwich University on Thursday evening.

The tournament, supported by the Thai Students Association in Karachi (TSAK), the Pak-Thai Friendship Association & Business Forum, and Thai Airways, brought together student teams from Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Nigeria. Players showcased both sporting talent and the spirit of cultural exchange.

The event was inaugurated by Surashete Boontinand, Consul General of Thailand in Karachi, who said the tournament reflected the power of sport to unite people across borders. “Football’s universal language builds friendships, fosters teamwork, and inspires cooperation and respect,” he noted.

Following a series of matches, Nigeria emerged as champions, while Indonesia finished as first runner-up and Thailand B secured second runner-up. The Fair Play Trophy was awarded to Greenwich University Red.

The closing ceremony was attended by Naveed Ahmed Mughal, Provost and President EDVIA at Greenwich University; Herman Hadynata bin Ahmad, Consul General of Malaysia; Dewanto Priyokusumo, Acting Consul General of Indonesia; Noman Naeem, President of Binoria University; and Arif Suleman, Chairman of the Pak-Thai Friendship Association & Business Forum.

Also present were Azua Binti Sulaili, Vice Consul of Malaysia in Karachi; Eesha Ali, Chief Diversity Officer at Greenwich University; and Sadia Sheikh, Director Sports at Greenwich University and founder of DIYA Women FC.

Organizers said the event aimed to foster cultural exchange, youth engagement, and people-to-people connectivity through sport. The evening concluded with trophy and medal presentations, leaving players and guests inspired by the celebration of sportsmanship and friendship.