By: Adekunle Oni-Daniel
Adjustments have been made to the transfer window for the 2025 SEALS Cup tournament, which is scheduled to kick off on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
The changes were announced in a press release jointly signed by Oyekanmi Farouk, Head of the SEALS Cup Disciplinary and Appeal Committee, and Igbehinadun Oyinbusola, Co-head of the Committee.
Among the notable updates is the emphasis on inclusivity, particularly for talented students from non-football-related departments. The move aims to widen participation and give more students an opportunity to compete.
In addition, transfer fees have been reduced. The fee for male players has been lowered from ₦7,000 to ₦5,000, while the female category now stands at ₦2,000, down from ₦3,000.
Initially, the transfer window was restricted to undergraduate students, excluding postgraduate and Distance Learning Centre students. However, the revised regulation now permits the transfer of postgraduate students, especially from departments that do not offer undergraduate programs.
According to the Students’ Union Sports Secretary, Victor Kolawole, the amendment is designed to promote inclusivity. The transfer fee for postgraduate students remains ₦7,000 for males and ₦3,000 for females.
Though registration is still ongoing, several confirmed signings have already been announced across various departments.
According to Kolawole, Favour Olamide has joined the Human Kinetics female team, Toki from Zoology has transferred to Archaeology, Abigail, who impressed during the freshers’ interhall games for Queen’s Hall, has been signed by ASSE. Nwosu David from the Faculty of Education has also joined ASSE, while Korede from Educational Management has been signed by the Political Science department.
Additionally, Ndubisi and Ebuka have been signed by Physiotherapy and Wood Production Engineering, respectively.
The transfer window will close on Friday, May 16, 2025. All departmental Sports Secretaries have been directed to submit their registration forms on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
In an interview with IndyPress, Kolawole confirmed that the tournament draw and fixtures will be released on Monday, May 19, 2025.
“There will be another press conference on Monday, 19th May 2025. Each department will find out their opponents then,” Kolawole told IndyPress.
