By: Abdul Hayi Moomen, UDS Media

Tamale was transformed into a carnival of colour, sound, and emotion on Thursday, October 9, 2025, as thousands of ecstatic residents poured onto the streets to welcome home the gallant University for Development Studies (UDS) football team the newly crowned FISU Universities World Football Champions.

From the moment the team’s plane touched down at the Tamale International Airport, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Seidu Al-hassan, together with his management team were on the tarmac to welcome the team.

Thereafter, the entire city seemed to burst into life. Hundreds of cars, buses, and motorbikes honked their horns non-stop, their blaring sounds mixing with drumming, singing, and the rhythmic ululations of excited fans. For many, this was not just a welcome, it was a celebration of identity, pride, and triumph.

The convoy, led by the team’s open truck,  moved slowly through the principal streets of Tamale, swallowed by an ocean of humanity. Many fans, waving miniature Ghanaian flags and UDS scarves, abandoned their vehicles and followed the team on foot, trekking the entire stretch from the airport to the UDS Tamale Campus, a distance of about 15 miles (roughly 24 kilometres).

Along the route, jubilant residents stood by the roadside, waving, dancing, and shouting words of admiration. “We’ve never seen anything like this before,” said Amina Issah, a trader at the Sakasaka Market who temporarily closed her stall to join the procession. “These boys have made us proud. They’ve shown that greatness can come from the northern part of Ghana!”

A young student, Abdul Karim Zakaria, who ran alongside the truck carrying the players for several kilometres, beamed with joy: “UDS has put Tamale and Ghana on the world map. I don’t care how far it is, I will walk till we reach the campus!”

As the convoy approached the university, the celebration reached a fever pitch. Students thronged the main gate, chanting victory songs and waving placards that read “World Champions!” and “UDS, Our Pride Forever!”

When the team finally entered the Tamale Campus, they were met with wild jubilation from the waiting crowd. The university grounds reverberated with cheers, music, and dance. A grand durbar was held in honour of the players and the technical team, during which university officials, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Seidu Al-hassan, traditional leaders, and fans alike celebrated the heroes who brought the world trophy home.

For one glorious day, Tamale stood still and became a city united by pride, victory, and the spirit of UDS.