Omonia Nicosia: Cyprus' sporting powerhouse with a legacy of excellence
Athletic Club Omonia Nicosia, known as Omonia Nicosia or Omonia for short, is a prominent Cypriot multi-sport club founded on 4 June 1948 in Nicosia.
While it boasts various athletic departments, Omonia is most renowned for its football division, which has been a fixture in the Cypriot First Division since 1953. In 2018, Omonia's football department underwent a transformation into a professional for-profit football company and has since been known as Omonia FC.
Omonia Nicosia is one of Cyprus' most successful football clubs, boasting an impressive list of achievements. The club has clinched the Cypriot National Championship title 21 times, while also capturing the Cypriot Cup on 16 occasions.
Furthermore, Omonia holds the record for Cypriot Super Cup victories, having secured this prestigious title a remarkable 17 times. The club has also achieved the rare feat of winning five doubles and three domestic trebles in its history. Notably, Omonia Nicosia stands as one of only three Cypriot clubs to have never been relegated to the second division.
The club's legacy includes a remarkable period between 1970 and 1989, where it clinched 14 championships. Additionally, Omonia dominated the championship between 1973 and 1986, securing either the championship or runner-up position 14 consecutive times. The club also holds the record for consecutive Cypriot Cup victories, winning it four times in a row between 1980 and 1983.
While Omonia is renowned for its football division, the club operates departments in various other sports, demonstrating its commitment to multi-sport excellence. These departments encompass basketball, volleyball, futsal, cycling, runners, women's football, and women's volleyball.
The club's name, "Omonia" (Ομόνοια), derives from the Greek word for harmony, unity, or concord, reflecting the values the club holds dear.
Omonia's iconic club colours are green and white. Green symbolizes hope, while white represents happiness. Additionally, the club tends to use a red alternative kit for special occasions.
Omonia's badge features a green shamrock enclosed in a white circle, signifying the club's distinct identity and values.
The club's official anthem was composed by Costas Melides in 1971 and recorded by Giannis Avraamides in 1972 in Athens. The lyrics of the anthem highlight Omonia's competitive spirit, its left-wing roots as "the people's team," and the unwavering loyalty of its fans, irrespective of the team's results.
Omonia Nicosia's rich history, numerous titles, and commitment to excellence in various sports make it one of Cyprus' most prestigious and successful sports clubs.
Honours:
Cypriot Championship: 21-time winners
Cypriot Cup: 16-time winners
Cypriot Super Cup: 17-time winners