Abdul-Hayi Moomen, Director of Public Affairs at the University for Development Studies (UDS), has called for greater recognition of student athletes in national team selections following the university’s recent triumph on the international stage.
Moomen emphasized that members of the UDS football team—fresh off their victory at the 2025 World University Games—believe they deserve a chance to represent Ghana at various levels of national football.
UDS clinched the championship title after a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time win over Paulista University, a result that has drawn praise from Sports Minister Kofi Adams and the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
“It’s massive. Some of the players are beginning to feel it’s about time the handlers of our national teams—from the U-17s to the Black Stars—start paying attention to them,” Moomen said. “They want the opportunity to prove their worth to the country.”
The win has sparked conversations around the inclusion of homegrown, university-based talent in Ghana’s national football pipeline, traditionally dominated by players from professional clubs.
The victorious UDS team is expected to return to Ghana on Sunday, October 4, to a warm reception following their historic performance.
