Nizwa University, SQU open with convincing wins

MUSCAT, FEB 23
The inaugural Oman Logistics Academy Football Championship for Higher Education Institutions kicked off on Sunday evening, at Goal One Stadium in Al Athaiba, marking the beginning of a dynamic competition that blends academic excellence with sporting ambition. The tournament, organised by the Oman Logistics Academy in cooperation with the Oman University Sports Committee, is held under the auspices of former Oman national team captain Imad bin Ali al Hosni.
Featuring 10 higher education institutions competing across 26 matches, the championship forms part of the Academy’s 'Koorathon' initiative, designed to strengthen the integration between education, sport and the logistics sector in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
The opening night delivered two decisive encounters, both ending in emphatic 3-0 victories.
In the first match, Nizwa University produced a commanding performance to defeat Oman Logistics Academy Team B. From the outset, Nizwa asserted control with disciplined organisation and effective attacking transitions. The breakthrough came through Asaad al Shammakhi, who opened the scoring with a composed finish. Mohammed al Dhahri doubled the advantage after capitalising on defensive hesitation, while Yousuf al Ghowri sealed the result with a well-taken third goal that confirmed Nizwa’s dominance.
Al Shammakhi’s influential display earned him the Best Player of the Match award, reflecting his impact both in attack and in linking play across midfield. Nizwa’s defensive structure also stood out, successfully neutralising the Academy side’s attempts to respond and maintaining a clean sheet throughout.

SQU THUMP OMAN TOURISM COLLEGE
The second fixture saw Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) secure an equally convincing 3-0 victory over Oman Tourism College. SQU demonstrated tactical maturity and sharp finishing, taking control early in the contest. Malik al Katheri opened the scoring with a clinical strike before Hamza al Jabri extended the lead through a swift attacking move. Salim al Hashmi added the third goal to cap a well-rounded team performance.
Al Katheri was named Best Player of the Match following a standout performance that combined attacking efficiency with intelligent movement and leadership on the field.
Beyond the results, the championship reflects a broader vision articulated by Dr Mansoor bin Mahfoodh al Qasimi, CEO of the Oman Logistics Academy, who emphasised that the tournament is more than a sporting competition. It represents a strategic platform to foster teamwork, discipline and leadership among students qualities essential in both academic and professional environments.
With 26 matches scheduled, the championship aims to serve as a national platform that promotes sportsmanship, institutional pride and healthy competition among Oman’s higher education institutions. The strong start by Nizwa University and Sultan Qaboos University sets the tone for what promises to be a competitive and high quality tournament in the weeks ahead.