Kissimmee, Florida | December 2, 2025 — Under the lights at the Austin-Tindall Sports Complex, the Nelson University Lions stepped onto the NCCAA Championship Tournament stage with purpose, focus, and belief. As the #4 seed in Pool C, Nelson opened national tournament play against #7 Columbia International University (CIU) in a matchup that quickly turned into a defensive chess match and a test of grit on one of the sport's biggest stages.

The Lions generated wave after wave of pressure, outshooting CIU 17–7 on the night and earning eight corner kicks to CIU's two, showing clear dominance in possession and attacking intent. Midfield anchor Edwin Sam Mbaka and winger Garey Mills were relentless in the second half, combining for multiple near-misses as Nelson hunted for the equalizer. Mills alone fired six shots, including two on target, while Mbaka created three dangerous looks of his own. 

But in tournament football, one moment often decides everything.

In the 38th minute, CIU's Ive Celic capitalized on a rare defensive window, slotting home the eventual game-winner for the lone goal in a match otherwise controlled by the Lions. From that point on, Nelson tilted the field, unleashing 13 second-half shots, including several from Mills, Mbaka, Pascoal Manuel, and Adan Aguilar. Nelson's creativity and pressure forced CIU's goalkeeper into seven saves, keeping Nelson inches away from flipping the result. 

On the other end, freshman goalkeeper Amir Raime showed composure far beyond his age, recording seven saves and keeping the Lions firmly within striking distance. Centerbacks Pascoal Manuel and David Ospina anchored a backline that allowed just two shots on frame all match — a testament to their discipline, organization, and leadership on the tournament stage. 

The Lions walked off the pitch knowing they created the chances to win. The margin was razor-thin. And Pool C play is far from over.

Next Up
More pool play action:

• December 3 (Wed) | 7:30 PM CT
• vs Judson University
• Austin-Tindall Sports Complex — Kissimmee, FL

Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.