The lights fell on the court like a curtain rising on a scene anticipated for months. The stands were already vibrating, swollen with an energy that nothing seemed able to contain. This June 1st, 2025, marked the launch of the third edition of ULIGPRO, a competition created to showcase university talent and which, in just three years, has become a must-see event on the Ivorian futsal calendar.
From the opening minutes of the final, a sense of revenge and challenge hung in the air. The International Private University of Abidjan (UIPA), driven by impressive cohesion, hadn’t come to participate. They had come to conquer. Facing them, Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC) dreamed of writing a memorable chapter in its sporting history. But this final would turn into a demonstration of skill.
A victory built on intensity
The match never truly left room for doubt. UIPA, solid, organized, and above all determined, quickly took the lead. Every action seemed meticulously planned, every transition perfectly executed. HEC tried to respond, but the imposed pace was too relentless. At the end of an intense duel, the scoreboard displayed a decisive 4-1 victory.
For UIPA, this triumph was more than just a win. It was the culmination of a collective commitment honed over the course of the tournament, a strategy that found its full expression at the crucial moment. As a reward, the team secured 5 million FCFA, sealing a victory as resounding as it was well-deserved. HEC, despite the defeat, leaves with 2 million FCFA, confident that they made their mark on this edition with their fighting spirit and solid performance.
A close final with a gripping plot
While the final was a controlled affair, the third-place match offered one of the most thrilling scenarios of the tournament. Claire Fontaine International University (UICF) faced the International University of Grand-Bassam (UIGB) in a duel that quickly turned into a battle of nerves.
The match ended in a spectacular 3-3 draw, with each team trading blows. A penalty shootout was needed to decide the winner. In this contest, UIGB displayed remarkable composure, prevailing 3-1. A clinical victory, earning them a prize of 1 million FCFA, while UICF took home 500,000 FCFA.
Individual talents rise to the challenge of excellence
Beyond the team competitions, the 2025 edition also highlighted individual talents who distinguished themselves through exceptional performances. Whether it was the best player, the top scorer, or the best goalkeeper, each of these players made a lasting impression with their game sense, precision, or ability to turn the tide of a match.
To recognize these remarkable achievements, the organizers allocated a total of 10 million FCFA for individual awards. This was a way to encourage not only the competition itself, but also the emergence of future ambassadors for Ivorian futsal.
A structured tournament, growing enthusiasm
This edition had a notable feature: the participation of 16 teams divided into four groups, a format that ensured a rich and balanced competition. From the very first group matches, crowds flocked to the arenas, giving each game an electric atmosphere. Each team brought its own style, strategy, and flair, creating a dynamic landscape where contrasts made every match unpredictable.
The progress of certain teams, considered underdogs, also added a touch of magic: surprise victories, dramatic comebacks, and lively debates both in the stands and on social media. With each edition, ULIGPRO confirms its status as a talent incubator and a platform for developing the next generation of Ivorian futsal players.
A praised and forward-looking organization
As the tournament drew to a close, Ben Koné, president of the organizing committee, made no secret of his satisfaction or his ambition for the future. He praised the quality of the tournament, the commitment of the teams, and the spirit of fair play that prevailed from the first match to the last. For him, this 2025 edition is a step, but certainly not an end in itself.
In line with this vision, the theme for the 2026 edition was unveiled: “Responsible and United Youth.” A powerful choice, demonstrating that ULIGPRO intends to go beyond the purely sporting aspect to become a vehicle for education, engagement, and shared values.
But the announcement that garnered the most attention was a major innovation: a ULIGPRO mobile application, designed to transform the spectator experience. This platform will allow users to follow match notifications in real time, purchase tickets online, and enjoy new exclusive services, including immersive content about the teams.
A natural evolution for a tournament that attracts more and more students, families, enthusiasts, and curious onlookers each year. It’s also a way to modernize the competition, connect it to the times, and extend its visibility beyond the arenas.
A legacy, a continuity, an ascent
It’s impossible to discuss the 2025 edition without recalling the trajectory of previous years. In 2024, it was the British International University (BIU) that lifted the trophy. A victory that sent a powerful message: university futsal was no longer just end-of-year entertainment. It was gradually becoming an arena where institutions came to defend their emblem, their culture, their identity.
With this third edition, ULIGPRO is reaching a new milestone. The organization is becoming more professional, the performances are improving, and so are the expectations. The public is responding enthusiastically, and the teams are competing fiercely to etch their names into this history.
One chapter closes, another opens
At the final whistle, when the UIPA players raised their trophy to thunderous applause, something deeper was revealed. Yes, it was a sporting victory. But above all, it was the expression of a movement: that of ambitious young people, of universities investing in their talent, of a competition that is taking root and inspiring.
The 2025 edition will not only be remembered for its winner. It will be remembered as the year ULIGPRO reached a new level, a year of innovation, performance, and emotion. A pivotal edition, heralding an even brighter future.
The date is now set for 2026, with the certainty that the flame of university futsal has never burned brighter.
