Hey there, champions! Welcome back to “Diary of a Jaycee,” where we capture the spirit, sweat, and stories behind every JCIN UI Week event. Day six was all about camaraderie, and a little competition as JCIN UI alumni squared off against current members in a football match that was less about goals and more about connection. Awo Stadium buzzed with cheers, laughter, and that special kind of pride that only comes when generations meet on the field—not to compete, but to celebrate a shared legacy.
By: Kabirat Ojo
Dear Diary,
Friday afternoon held the promise of adrenaline and community as JCIN UI members were invited for a friendly football match slated to begin at 3:00 PM. Life, as it tends to do, threw a few delays my way, and by the time I strolled into Awo Stadium, it was just past 5:00 PM. The atmosphere was still electric, though, not in the roaring stadium sort of way, but in the quiet, familiar buzz of shared moments. From the sidelines, I caught sight of a lively back-and-forth between JCIN UI members and our ever-charismatic alumni.
Curious, I leaned over to ask for the score—0-0, came the reply, almost as if the tension on the field mirrored the stalemate on the scoreboard. The game pressed on, each side playing with heart more than anything else. The adrenaline from screaming in the audience for the misses and near-goals was something? If anyone is having a bad day, I’d recommend watching a football match with people, it made me forget my worries for a few hours.
Among the crowd were some noteworthy faces: our Local Organization President, the ever-dedicated Chairperson of JCIN UI’s brand week, and a warm sprinkle of familiar JCIN UI members. The organizers had thoughtfully arranged refreshments—cool sachets of water, trusty Gala snacks, and popcorn that somehow tasted better shared. It wasn’t just about the match; it was about presence, laughter, and moments that would become tomorrow’s nostalgia. Later, we gathered—players, alumni, and supporters—for photos that captured more than just smiles. Somewhere between joking with a teammate and posing for group shots, I even kicked the ball around with one of the players. It was brief, spirited, and honestly, just fun.
And like that, the match ended—not with a winner on the scoreboard, but with memories that felt like small victories in themselves.