Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Cup of Nations Futsal Tournament, organized by the EMU Student Development, Activities and Sports Affairs Directorate, concluded with the semi-final and final matches held at Lala Mustafa Paşa Sports Complex. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) team completed the tournament as champion in the women’s category, while the Kenya team claimed the championship in the men’s category.
In the women’s category, the tournament featured teams from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Lebanon, and Nigeria. Following the semi-final matches, the TRNC team defeated Kazakhstan 2–0, while Türkiye overcame Lebanon with a 3–0 victory, advancing both teams to the final. In the final match, TRNC defeated Türkiye 2–0 to claim the championship. In the third-place match, Kazakhstan beat Lebanon 3–0 to finish the tournament in third place.
Total of 17 teams competed in the men’s category of the tournament. In the semi-finals, Nigeria edged past Palestine with a 5–4 win, while Kenya secured a 3–2 victory over Sudan, advancing to the final. In an exciting championship match, Kenya put on a strong display to defeat Nigeria 3–2 and claim the EMU Cup of Nations 2025 men’s title. Meanwhile, Sudan defeated Palestine 1–0 in the third-place match to finish the tournament in third position.
EMU and Parliament Face Off in an Entertaining Match
As part of the tournament program, a friendly match took place between the EMU team and the TRNC Parliament team. The Parliament side, featuring UBP MP Emrah Yeşilırmak, Independent MP Hasan Büyükoğlu, former MP Mesut Genç, and former Yeniboğaziçi Mayor Mustafa Zurnacılar, competed against a team made up of EMU staff. The match concluded with a 2–0 victory for the TRNC Parliament Team.
Special Awards Presented
Special awards were presented in various categories during an awards ceremony held after the tournament. The “Most Sportsmanlike Women’s Team” award went to Kazakhstan, while the “Most Sportsmanlike Men’s Team” award was given to Türkiye. Malcolm from Kenya team was named the “Most Valuable Male Player (MVP)” of the tournament. On the other hand, Nisanur from TRNC team was awarded with the “Most Valuable Female Player (MVP)” award. Furthermore, Kenya was named the “Best Student Society”. Nehir from TRNC team received “Best Female Goalkeeper” award and, Nadir from Kenya team also received “Best Male Goalkeeper” award.
The awards were presented by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, Project and Infrastructure Management Director Sami Ömer, Former Mayor of Yeniboğaziçi Mustafa Zurnacılar, Sports Affairs Coordinator Aydın Kayol and, personnel at the Student Development, Activities and Sports Affairs Directorate. Making an address during the award ceremony, Prof. Dr. Kılıç thanked everyone for their participation and extended his congratulations to all the competing students. Prof. Dr. Kılıç noted that the international event held annually by EMU once again showcased the institution’s multicultural character and its strong engagement in sports. He also remarked that the match between the TRNC Parliament members and EMU was thoroughly enjoyable and extended his thanks to all participants for taking part.
