University of Benin’s soccer team, Uniben Royals were pacesetters with a heartwarming 2-1 over Fuoye Dazzlers as the 2019 Higher Institution Football League commenced with across centres around the country.
In Lagos, it was action action-packed as the University of Lagos, UNILAG Marines, held FUTA Tigers to a 1-1 draw at the UNILAG sports complex in Lagos on Tuesday.
The UNILAG Marines dictated the play, showing early glimpses of what was in store at the start of the game, but, as soon as the FUTA Tigers settled in to the game, the contest became more intense, as both teams did all they could to outplay each other.
However, in the 40th minute, Ibrahim Babatunde of the FUTA Tigers spotting jersey number 20 remarkably lobbed the ball almost from the center half to beat UNILAG Marines goalkeeper Oroge Olawale who had stepped out of his line.
Despite the lead, UNILAG Marines maintained their composure and controlled the game, firing from all cylinders in the second half. In the 84th minutes, their efforts finally paid off, when big striker Robert Odu with Jersey number 9 grabbed the equalizer to put the team back in the game. The game ended 1-1.
Elsewhere at the University of Benin, UNIBEN Royals showed class against the Dazzlers from Ekiti, FUOYE Dazzlers as they defeated the team by two goals to one. Although both teams created chances, the UNIBEN Royals were more clinical in front of goal and got a well-deserved win.
The HiFL is organized by Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing in partnership with the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA). The top 32 Universities from NUGA-member institutions will play over a period of 21 weeks, with the final four billed for the Agege Stadium, Lagos.