KASU Crocs tasted defeat at the hands of ATBU Bravehearts in their first ever game in the knockout rounds of the HiFL. 

Two goals on either side of half-time confirmed victory for Coach Bala Mohammed-led ATBU Bravehearts who now have a very strong chance of proceeding to the last eight of the tournament. 

The Kaduna State University team were hosts to The Bravehearts from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi for the first leg of their round of 16 tie in the HiFL 2022 Round of 16. 

KASU Crocs impressed neutrals during the preliminary stages of the tournament and progressed to the knockout stages for the first time in their history. The HiFL debutants beat UNIJOS and YUSMUK in Group A to a slot in the round-of-16.

Although the Kaduna-based side suffered defeat at the hands of their guests during the group stages of this season’s tournament, fans still turned out in their multitudes to watch Coach Musa Dahiru’s side make history. 

The home fans were stunned early in the first half when Isah Idris found the back of the net with a sublime finish in the 8th minute. The Away side defended fiercely and doubled their lead through Simeon Habka with five minutes of normal time left, thereby securing victory ahead of the second leg. 

ATBU Bravehearts would host KASU Crocs at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Sports Complex in Bauchi on August 17 for the return leg of this round-of-16 clash. 

small_HiFL-2021-league.jpg

thumbnail_HiFL-2021-league.jpg

HiFL-2021-league.jpg

HiFL 2022 R16: ATBU Bravehearts beat KASU Crocs again to earn first-leg advantage

UNILORIN Warriors, the winners of the NUGA 22 Football event, beat UAM Tillers at the University of A agriculture, Makrudi by a lone goal in their round of 16 first leg clash at the ongoing HiFL 2022 season. 

UAM Tillers, who won the first edition of the HiFL in 2018, are now on the brink of exiting the tournament at this stage with the advantage now on the side of Coach Isa Gambari’s UNILORIN Warriors

The Warriors scored early in the first half through Mustapha Obungbero and held on to their lead despite several attempts by the UAM Tillers, 2019 HiFL champions, to draw level.  The away side was resolute in defence and seemed content with a narrow lead heading into the second leg.  

However, the fans of the UAM Tillers would be disappointed with the results but not the performance of the football stars. Coach Finbar Yamelu’s side created several chances but was thwarted by Hanafi Moshood who was in goal for the away side. 

The goalkeeper made several breathtaking saves to put the Tillers at bay and earned himself the STANBIC IBTC Man of the Match award. 

UAM Tillers now have a mountain to climb as they have to defeat the NUGA Champions on their own turf in Ilorin when both sides clash for the second leg of the round-of-16 tie on the 17th of August 2022.

medium_UAM_VS_UNILORIN_422fa5e229.jpeg

small_UAM_VS_UNILORIN_422fa5e229.jpeg

thumbnail_UAM_VS_UNILORIN_422fa5e229.jpeg

UAM_VS_UNILORIN_422fa5e229.jpeg

NUGA Champions UNILORIN Warriors beat UAM Tillers 1-0 in Makurdi

UNN Lions progressed to the quarter-finals of the HiFL 2022 season after securing a goalless draw against the UNIPORT Sharks on Wednesday.

The Lions led by coach Ike Chijioke defeated the Sharks 4-2 in a thrilling match in Enugu two weeks ago and needed to avoid defeat by two goals to progress to the next stage of the tournament. 

Ahead of the game, Coach Ike Chijioke of the Lions assured fans that “I have spoken to my boys to avoid overconfidence because if UNIPORT could score two goals away, it means that they can also score at home. But we will also try to score in Port Harcourt to stand a good chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals”.

The Enugu-based side was resolute in defence, keeping the ball away from the home side and ensuring that their goalkeeper was barely tested.

The results ensure that UNN Lions remains the only team from last year’s Super Four left in this season’s tournament. UNIMAID Desert Warriors, FUTMINNA Transformers, and AAUA Luminaries were knocked in other games.

UNN Lions would play the winner of the round-of-16 tie between DELSU Titans of the Delta State University and IAUE Minders from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. The Minders lead 3-2 on aggregate. 

large_UNIPORT_vs_UNN_FI_3973699497.jpg

medium_UNIPORT_vs_UNN_FI_3973699497.jpg

small_UNIPORT_vs_UNN_FI_3973699497.jpg

thumbnail_UNIPORT_vs_UNN_FI_3973699497.jpg

UNIPORT_vs_UNN_FI_3973699497.jpg

HiFL ’22: UNN Lions progress to Q/F after stalemate with UNIPORT Sharks

KSU Steelers from the Kogi State University have pulled off one of the shockers of the ongoing HiFL 2022 season by beating 2021 semi-finalists, FUTMINNA Transformers 3-2 on aggregate to reach the quarter-final of the tournament. 

The Steelers lost a two-goal lead in a dramatic draw in Minna a couple of weeks ago to set up a crucial must-win second-leg tie in Ayungba where they would be cheered on by their home fans. Coach Musa Amorley’s side raced to a two-goal lead in the first half with goals from Mashood Usman and Ojochemi Abubakar. 

FUTMINNA Transformers, one of the Super Four sides from HiFL 2021, showed their mettle in front of their home fans and equalized it with two goals in quick succession. The two sides were wary of each other and fans were expecting to see a great game, leading to a capacity-full stadium at the Kogi State University, Sports complex in Ayungba. 

The second leg began where the first leg stopped with both teams showing attacking intent early on. FUTMINNA Transformers were desperate to get ahead to cancel out the away goal advantage. Quick passes, timely interceptions, great tackles, and exceptional dribbling were on display much to the joy of the fans. 

Ojochemi picked up from where he left off in the first leg and scored the opener within ten minutes of the first half. The rest of the Steelers then dug deep and defended with solidity to ensure that the away side could not create clear-cut chances to equalize. 

The home fans could not contain their joy when the centre referee Lukman Abdullahi blew the final whistle. The Steelers will now play against BUK Stallions in the quarter-finals. The Kano-based side beat the defending champions UNIMAID Desert Warriors on away goals. 

large_K_Svs_FT_82384879a6.jpeg

medium_K_Svs_FT_82384879a6.jpeg

small_K_Svs_FT_82384879a6.jpeg

thumbnail_K_Svs_FT_82384879a6.jpeg

K_Svs_FT_82384879a6.jpeg

HiFL ’22: KSU Steelers beat FUTMINNA Transformers to reach quarter-Finals

FUTMINNA Transformers came from two goals down to secure a draw against the KSU Steelers of Kogi State University in the HiFL 2022 round-of-16 clash at the Federal University of Technology Minna Sports Complex. 

The fans of the home side were shocked when KSU Steelers led by Coach Musa Amorley raced to a two-goal lead in the first half. Mashood Usman opened the scoring for the visitors in the 6th minute and Ojochemi Abubakar doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time. 

The half-time break allowed Coach Ahmed Usman Bosso of the FUTMINNA Transformers to tweak tactics and convey his thoughts to his players. The break had a positive impact on the players as the second half began with his team in control of the game. 

With the home support behind them, The Transformers began to dominate possession and gradually became more of a threat in the final third. The second-half strategy paid off and two goals in ten minutes restored parity. 

Paul David pulled one back barely 10 minutes after the restart before Adamu Aliyu scored the equalizer with about 30 minutes left to play. The home fans raised the roof, hoping to complete a remarkable come-back victory.  

Both sides made several attempts to get ahead but the goalkeepers were in top form to keep shots at bay. KSU Steelers would rue their chances and their inability to hold on to their two-goal lead. 

The Kogi-state side will look to secure a spot in the quarter-finals when they host the FUTMINNA Transformers at the Kogi State University Sports Complex in Ayungba on the 10th of August 2022.

small_futminna transform.jpg

thumbnail_futminna transform.jpg

futminna transform.jpg

HiFL 2022 R16: FUTMINNA Transformers come from two goals down to draw KSU Steelers

EKSU Mountaineers drew first blood in the ‘Ekiti Derby’ when they beat FUOYE Dazzlers in the first leg of their HiFL 2022 round-of-16 tie on Wednesday. 

The Ekiti State University team led by Babajide Oyewumi impressed their fans during the group stages of HiFL 2022, finishing top of Group D ahead of UNILAG Marines, OAU Giants, ABUAD Stars and others. 

Fuoye Dazzlers were equally impressive, beating LASU Blazers, UI PioneerS, Lead City Gladiators, and others to the top spot of Group C and securing their spot at the knockout stages of the competition. 

The tactical brilliance of both teams was on display with assured defending from both sets of players. The two teams were familiar with each other and matched every attempted dribble with a similarly brilliant tackle. 

Hundreds of spectators were present at the Ekiti State University Sports complex and the game seemed set to end in a stalemate before Olamilekan Adebunmi broke through the FUOYE Dazzlers defence and found the winner in the 82nd minute. 

FUOYE Dazzlers under the management of Coach Blessing Adeleye will look forward to turning the tie on its head when they welcome their state rivals to the Federal University Oye-Ekiti for the return leg of this Last 16 tie on the 17th of August 2022. 

large_eksu vs fuoye.jpg

medium_eksu vs fuoye.jpg

small_eksu vs fuoye.jpg

thumbnail_eksu vs fuoye.jpg

eksu vs fuoye.jpg

HiFL ’22 R16: EKSU Mountaineers beat FUOYE Dazzlers to draw first blood in ‘Ekiti Derby’

UNN Lions of the University of Nigeria scored four goals against the UNIPORT Sharks in the first leg tie of their round of 16 fixture in the ongoing HiFL season. 

Fans of collegiate football in Nigeria highly anticipated the match as it was the first time UNN Lions would feature in the ongoing HiFL season. 

Coach Chijioke Ike-led side reached the semi-finals of the HiFL 2021 season, qualifying for this season’s round-of-16 stage as one of last year's super four teams. UNIPORT Sharks, led by Coach Ifeanyi Egwim qualified from Group E in the group stages of this season’s tournament.

UNN Lions established their dominance right after kick-off, displaying attacking intent while being cheered on by the home fans. Onyedika Nnafor led the attack line, closed down the UNIPORT Sharks defenders and found the back of the net 6 minutes into the game. 

The home side doubled their lead before a quarter of an hour through a sublime finish from Somtochukwu Ikprama. The third goal came from Odo Nonso in the 28th minute to take the game further from the away side. 

However, the UNIPORT Sharks did not back down and pulled one back before halftime through talented forward, Achur Nelson in the 33rd minute. The Port-Harcourt-based outfit reduced the deficit to one goal through Joshua Okai with about 30 minutes left to play. 

With new belief coursing through the side, UNIPORT Sharks attempted to find the equalizer, risking everything with the knowledge that a draw would be a better result ahead of the return leg in Port-Harcourt two weeks from now. 

The UNN Lions took advantage of their opposition’s risk-taking and secured victory with another goal in the 90th minute through Ezea Luke. 

While a two-goal advantage seems like a healthy lead ahead of the second leg, the UNN Lions would be wary of the home support that the UNIPORT Sharks would enjoy when the fixture gets concluded in at the University of Port-Harcourt Sports Complex on the 10th of August 2022. 

large_UNN_vs_UPORT_ff6bd2b23d.png

medium_UNN_vs_UPORT_ff6bd2b23d.png

small_UNN_vs_UPORT_ff6bd2b23d.png

thumbnail_UNN_vs_UPORT_ff6bd2b23d.png

UNN_vs_UPORT_ff6bd2b23d.png

HiFL ’22 R16: UNN Lions smash UNIPORT Sharks in six-goal thriller

LASU Blazers from the Lagos State University will hope to cause an upset when they clash with the AAUA Luminaries from the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba in the first leg of their HiFL 2022 Round-of-16 tie. 

AAUA Luminaries, led by Coach Stephen Yusuf, made HiFL history in the 2021 season of HiFL when they became the first state-owned university to reach the Super Four and the finals of the competition.

The Luminaries hope to go one better than their run last season and would begin their HiFL 2022 quest in the round of 16 with a clash against the LASU Blazers from the Lagos State University.

LASU Blazers were hosts for GROUP C in the preliminary stages of the competition, barely making it to the knock-out stages of the tournament ahead of UI Pioneers from the University of Ibadan, LCU Gladiators from Lead City University, among others.

Coach B. T Omisaye-led side will hope to take maximum advantage of the chance provided to them and make a statement in the tournament. A victory over last year’s finalists would go a long way to inspire confidence as HiFL 2022 nears its business end.

AAUA Luminaries played a compact but highly efficient style of football last season, conceding only a few goals on their way to the final. LASU will hope to break down that defensive solidity while maintaining their own discipline at the back if they hope to overcome last year’s runners-up.

Fans of the HiFL will be thrilled with both legs of the fixture, with the first leg coming up on Wednesday, 27th of July at the Adekunle Ajasin University Sports Complex in Akungba by 4 PM. 

small_AAUA_Luminaries_b07399238c.jpeg

thumbnail_AAUA_Luminaries_b07399238c.jpeg

AAUA_Luminaries_b07399238c.jpeg

HiFL 2022 R16: 2021 Finalist, AAUA Luminaries faces tough test against LASU Blazers

At a thrilling final game played at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex on Saturday, UNIMAID Desert Warriors from the University of Maiduguri defeated debutant AAUA Luminaries from the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba by 1-0 to emerge the 2021 Champions of the Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL).

The game set out in an attacking mood with the AAUA Luminaries pushing hard to score the first goal. However, the defense of the Desert Warriors led by Abdulrahaman Musa and Ochei David Michael thwarted every move by the attacking front line of the Luminaries led by Ologbon Emmanuel and Rotimi Ayomide to end the first half goalless. 

On resumption in the second half, the Desert Warriors took the initiative and succeeded in the 62nd minute of the game when the team captain and StanbicIBTC Man-of-the-Match, Ochei Elijah Francis met a cross from the right to nod the ball past Isaac Phillip in the goal for the Luminaries. The Luminaries turned on the heat on the Desert Warriors, but it was too late as the Borno Boys held their nerves to cross the 90th minute. 

Speaking after the match, the Vice-Chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Prof. Olugbenga Ige said “despite the defeat, I feel elated because what is important is participation. We have participated and we have come this far. We have defeated several universities and we are the first state university to reach the final. So, for me, it is gratifying because one team must win. We have put up a very good showing and every spectator in the stadium today attested to that. That we came second is part of the victory. We thank HiFL for this opportunity and we hope our university does better next year,” Ige said. 

In his reaction, the Coach of the UNIMAID Desert Warriors, Dauda ‘Ziko’ Daniel explained that “we had a very good preparation from the beginning of this competition, and we have been supported financially and morally by the school authority. This is the result of their support. At some point, my players, most of who are visiting Lagos for the first time were jittery. However, I pointed at the trophy and told them that that is the sign of glory for them if only they can hold their nerves and win the match. It was difficult but we thank God”. 

Chatting with journalists, the Chief Strategy Officer, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Goodness Onyejiaku said, “We appreciate StanbicIBTC, Nivea Men, Bold and Minimie and the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) for their support. We have all enjoyed this season and look forward to a more interesting HiFL in 2022.”

thumbnail_624bdbf1ee92e.png

624bdbf1ee92e.png

HiFL 2022: 60 NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES DECLARE INTEREST

Over the past decades, sports have proven to be a powerful tool for strengthening social ties and networks. It has proved to be an effective catalyst for promoting ideals crucial for peaceful, locally driven development. But despite all its inherent ability to bring people together, particularly the youths, the tremendous potential of sport development to achieve youth development objectives and foster healthy rivalry and growth has been underutilised, especially in higher institutions.

Indeed, intercollegiate sport is not new to Nigeria and Africa as a whole, various intercollegiate sports competition has taken place over the last couple of years from sports associations and the likes such as NUGA Games, WAPOGA, NPGA, NPUGA, etc. However, collegiate sport has shown slow growth in the country in the past decade. Particularly, the lack of consistency in the existent collegiate sports has barred any opportunity for sustainable growth in intercollegiate sports.

In an attempt to change the narrative and help develop collegiate sport in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing (PSEM) launched the Higher Institution Football League (HiFL) in 2018. HIFL is Nigeria's biggest varsity football league designed annually for higher institutions in Nigeria particularly universities to display campus football talents, stimulate healthy rivalry, and engage them across Nigeria in the unifying spirit of sportsmanship. Going on to its fourth season, HiFL has had a great impact on the movement of collegiate sports in Nigeria and showcasing football talents across the country.

Like all sporting competitions, showcasing Nigeria’s vast football talents across the world is one of the objectives of HiFL and it can only be right to say they have gone a long way in achieving their goals and objectives. With great talents playing within and across the world, HiFL has surely achieved one of its goals, “… empowering and showcasing local talents”. HiFL can boast of creating professional pathways for students through sports. Some of HiFL’s talents include Robert Odu, new signing of Spanish third tier division team, Extremadura UD, Odenigbo Ebuka David who is a center-forward for Kano Pillars, Emmanuel Ogbole, current player for Nasarawa United, Seyi James Olumofe, Stoneywood Parkvale FC new signing from Keith FC in the Scottish league.  

Beyond football, HiFL has gone on to create different platforms to engage the non-athlete population across Nigeria some of which include HiFL Volunteer force, Student Franchise Initiative, Unifest, campus Fiestas, etc. The HiFL Volunteer force is an avenue created by HiFL to inspire students and give them an opportunity to be a part of creating and enabling change within their immediate community. The Volunteer Force was created to enable students to contribute their bit to the development of sports opportunities and grassroots football in their universities.

The HiFL Student Franchise program is an HiFL initiative that is committed to providing an enabling environment for students on campus to thrive, thereby empowering them through sport, in its quest for youth development. This initiative was born in a bid to create financial independence for students and also curb the alarming rate of unemployment. Students with experience in sales are given an avenue to market and promote the HiFL merchandises which include HiFL ball, HiFL jerseys, HiFL t-shirts, etc. in their schools and immediate community.

UniFest is an exciting platform that discovers and showcases talents from higher institutions across Nigeria. The competition offers an opportunity for special talents to perform at HiFL special events which will be broadcasted across Africa. Unifest has given talented students of Nigeria Universities an avenue to showcase their talents where the winner gets a one-year talent management deal, cash prizes, and other exciting gifts.

HiFL, the football franchise of Higher Institutions Sports League (HiSL), an asset created and managed by PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited; in conjunction with the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) has been identified and reported by the International University Sports Federation(FISU), in partnership with LaLiga and the Nigerian University Games Association(NUGA).

medium_social sport4.jpeg

small_social sport4.jpeg

thumbnail_social sport4.jpeg

social sport4.jpeg

SOCIAL IMPACT OF HiFL

University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) Desert Warriors continued their steady march to the Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) final with a hard-fought 1-0 defeat of Federal University of Minna (FUTMinna) Transformers in the first leg of their semifinal encounter in Maiduguri.  

The Coach Dauda Daniel-led Desert Warriors met stiff opposition from the Transformers, led by Coach Usman Bosso, before Stanbic Man-of-the-Match, Bukar David, scored the only goal of the match in the 78th minute.

Recall that Coach Dauda Daniel led Desert Warriors ousted the 2018 champions, UAM Tillers, 3-1 in the last round.

In the second semifinal played at the University of Nigeria (UNN) Sports Complex in Nsukka, UNN Lions were held to a 1-1 draw by AAUA Luminaries from the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba.  

The Luminaries, led by Coach Joseph Abuo, scored the first goal in the 11th minute through Ayomide Akinlosotu, before Chinegwu Obinna equalised for the Lions in the 22nd minute.

The Coach Ike Chijioke-led Lions were restricted to long-range shots as the Akungba boys showed their resilience in defence and held to their away goal advantage going into the second leg. 

In his reaction, Stanbic Man-of-the-Match, Destiny Onukafor of the Lions maintained that his team may be down but not out, promising that the Lions will re-strategise as they seek to get the desired return in the return leg in Akungba.

Excited at the level of competition and sportsmanship in the league, Beiersdorf’s Managing Director, Nigeria, Godwin Harrison said, “Nivea Men is thrilled to come on board as HiFL’s Official Men’s Grooming Partner in 2021.”

The partnership will enable us to support the nurturing of football talents among Nigerian youth while connecting with our young future consumers through a sport the whole country is passionate about.”  

Also, the Brand Manager, Minimie, Monica Jaiswal, said, “this is an opportunity for us at Minimie to appreciate what HiFL is doing by allowing our youths to express themselves. We see it as a great idea that needed to be supported to grow, hence our involvement in HiFL.”  

The second leg of the semifinals will hold today in Minna, where FUTMinna will attempt to return their 0-1 deficit against UNIMAID Warriors and Akungba, which is the venue for the decisive tie between AAUA Luminaries and UNN Lions.

medium_maiduguri.jpeg

small_maiduguri.jpeg

thumbnail_maiduguri.jpeg

maiduguri.jpeg

University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) Desert Warriors continued their steady march to the Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) final with a hard-fought 1-0 defeat of Federal University of Minna (FUTMinna) Transformers in the first leg of their semifinal encounter in Maiduguri.

UNIMAID BEAT FUTMINNNA 1-0 AS UNN WALK TIGHT ROPE

Quarter-final games in the ongoing Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) kicked off to an interesting beginning with games across four centres in the country.

In Lagos, the UNILAG Marines played a goalless draw with the AAUA Luminaries from Akungba. The game which was played at the Lagos State University Sports Complex lived up to its billing with several goal mouth squabbles.

Goalkeeper of the Luminaries, Isaac Phillip put up a superlative performance to deter the striking duo of Onitolo Jamiu and Salau Opeyemi of the Marines.

The Luminaries had a goal ruled out in the 60th minute for off-side while Opeyemi of the Marines also hit the upright late in the second half as Abdul-Khalil Nurudeen of the AAUA Luminaries was voted as the StanbicIBTC Man-of-the-Match.

Meanwhile, in Enugu, UNN Lions defeated UNIBEN Royals 2-0 in a game played at the University of Nigeria Sports Complex. Stanbic Man-of-the-Match, Anichebe Elvis scored a brace for the Lions in the 37th and 52nd minutes. The high-scoring Royals which knocked out defending champions UNICAL Malabites could however do nothing against the resolute defense of the Lions.

In Markurdi, 2018 champions UAM Tillers had a narrow 1-0 win over the UNIMAID Desert Warriors from the 84th minute Aogo Okwupa. The Priscilla Vande led Tillers laboured to break a determined defense line of the Desert Warriors which ended the Round of 16 as the highest-scoring team.

In Ilorin, the game between UNILORIN Warriors and the FUTMinna Transformers ended in a goalless draw. The Warriors were profligate in front of the goal as they lost so many scoring chances and would have lost the game if the Transformers have not had their goal ruled out for an infraction.

In his reaction to the results from across the centres, Chief Strategy Officers of Pace Sports, Goodness Onyejiaku expressed delight at the level of sportsmanship among the teams while also appreciating the sponsors for their commitment to youth development in Nigeria. HiFL is organized by Pace Sports and the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) and supported by StanbicIbtc, Nivea Men, Bold and Minimie

medium_quarter finals.jpg

small_quarter finals.jpg

thumbnail_quarter finals.jpg

quarter finals.jpg

HIFL: UNN LIONS WIN, UNILAG MARINES DRAW FIRST LEG

Unimaid Desert Warriors have qualified for the quarterfinal of the ongoing Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL), joining UNIBEN Royals and FUTMINNA Transformers in the round.

The Desert Warriors led by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Prof. Aliyu Shugaba, and Borno State Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Saina Baba, showed class as they defeated BUK Stallions 3-2 to qualify at home.

Suleiman Ali, Uche Francis, and Bukar David scored in the 21st, 29th, and 77th minutes respectively for the Maiduguri warlords, while Huzafia Mohammed and Mustapha Mustapha scored in the 19th and 37th minutes for the Bayero boys. So far, the Desert Warriors remain the only team that has won both legs of their games in the Round of 16 to qualify on a 5-3 goals aggregate. Uche Francis of the Desert Warriors won the StanbicIBTCMan-of-the-Match award.

Meanwhile, Super Four finalist at the 2019 edition of the Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL), OAU Giants have been knocked out of this year’s league after playing a 1-1 draw in the second leg. Despite the loss, the home fans led by the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede expressed their appreciation for the fighting spirit of the Giants.

In an electrifying game played at the sports complex of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, the Giants were forced into a 1-1 draw by new entrant AAUA Luminaries. The Luminaries qualified for the quarterfinals on the way goals rule since the first leg in Akungba ended 0-0. StanbicIBTC Man-of-the-Match Olaniyi Mayowa of the OAU Giants scored in the 55th minute while Olawale Oluwabukunmi equalised for the Luminariesto to silence the crowd in Ile Ife.

OAU Giants and BUK Stallions join UNICAL Malabites and LAUTECH Hunters who were earlier dumped out of the tournament. Reigning champions UNICAL Malabites were ousted by the UNIBEN Royals on 4-3 goals aggregate despite winning the second leg 1-0 at the Abraham Ordia Stadium at the University of Calabar. The LAUTECH Hunters lost to the FUTMINNA Transformers in Minna after playing a nerve-wracking game that ended 3-2 in favour of the Transformers.

The HiFL organized by PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited commenced in 2018 in partnership with the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA). UAM Tillers won the maiden edition at theSuper Four played at the Agege Stadium in Lagos. 

medium_unical.jpg

small_unical.jpg

thumbnail_unical.jpg

unical.jpg

UNIMAID DESERT WARRIORS REACH HiFL QUARTERFINALS AS OAU, BUK FALL

Week 2 of the round of 16 matches picked off on the momentum from week 1, with only one match ending in a win. The 4 games which were played simultaneously were exciting and energy-packed with loads of goal-scoring opportunities on both ends from all the schools, however, three of the matches ended in a stalemate.  A goal from Abata Terkuma and Asen Shatar in the 9th and 19th minute respectively gave the winners of the maiden edition of HiFL, UAM Tillers, a thrilling start to the round of 16 with their game ending in a 2-1 win against the giants of Zaria, Abu Nobles. Although the nobles were able to pull one back in the 68th minute, that was not enough to give them the win against the 2018 champion and 2019 finalist.

The game between KSU Steelers vs UNILORIN Warriors ended a 1-1 draw as it was a game of “none willing to blink first”. Fashanu Ifeoluwa gave the semi-finalist of the 2019 season a ray of hope by finding the back of the net in the 36th minute but a strike from Pelumi Abodunde in the 42nd minute of the first half levelled the game for the home team. Both teams played with caution in the second 45 minutes to avoid conceding as they looked to the second leg to overturn their fortunes.  

Unilag Marines trip to the city of Akure to face Futa Tigers ended in a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes. Although Unilag Marines will have the home advantage in the second leg as they play at home, a goal from Futa Tigers will make the knockout tie difficult for them as the travellers from the city of Akure will have the upper hand with an away goal. The game between IAUE Minders and UNN Lions ended on a blank note as well, none of the teams was able to score despite some fascinating end to end action.

BUK Stallions will look to turn their one-goal deficit against UNIMAID Desert Warriors in the second leg of the round of 16 matches, starting 21st of July,2021. The reigning champions, Unical Malabites will go all out to overturn their two goals deficit against Uniben Royals with the second leg in Calabar while OAU Giants and FUTMINNA Transformers will look to get the better of AAUA Luminaries and LAUTECH Hunters respectively. The second leg of the round of 16 promises to be exciting.   

The Higher Institution Football League is an initiative of Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing in partnership with the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA).

medium_pick off.jpeg

small_pick off.jpeg

thumbnail_pick off.jpeg

pick off.jpeg

MAIDEN EDITION WINNERS, UAM TILLERS OFF TO A NICE START IN HIFL 2021 R16 STAGE

Matchweek 1 of the first leg of the HiFL round of 16 lived up to expectations and had its share of twists and turns. An early exit might be on the cards for the defending champions, UNICAL Malabites unless they can overturn a 2-goal deficit in the second leg after losing 4-2 to UNIBEN Royals. UNIBEN Royals took the lead early on in the match with a shot from their number 19, Oghenefarme, in the 5th minute. Odior Daniel doubled their lead in the 17th minute and Jeremiah Odeh added to the champion woes after increasing the Royals tally in the 28th minute. John Bosco helped the visiting team pull one back in the 40th minute and Simon Uloko reduced the deficit to a goal after scoring in the 65th minute as the defending champions looked to mount a comeback but that was not to be as they conceded yet another goal in the 80th minute from Marvelous to seal a victory for the hosts.

BUK stallions lost at home to Unimaid Desert Warriors where the number 9 for UNIMAID Desert Warriors, Suleiman Ali Saleh continued his goal-scoring form from the pre-qualifiers stage where he scored three goals, after putting his team ahead in the 25th minute. Muhammed Zakiriya, No 10 for BUK Stallions, levelled the score in the 50th minute but they were unable to build on the momentum as they conceded another goal in the 65th minute scored by the Desert Warriors’ number 11, Uche Francis. The visitors will look to build on this significant away win in the return leg.

The games between AAUA Luminaries and OAU Giants as well as Lautech Hunters vs Futminna Transformers ended on a blank note as none of the teams was able to score despite some fascinating end to end action. Both teams created some decent openings but ultimately, none was able to find the goal of their opponent.

The round of 16 continues with match week 2 taking place on 14/07/2021 with Futa Tigers set to face Unilag Marines, IAUE minders set to face UNN lions. ABU Nobles will lock horns with the winners of the maiden edition of HiFL, UAM tillers and KSU Steelers will face Unilorin warriors in what looks to be an exciting run of games. 

The Higher Institution Football League is an initiative of Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing in partnership with Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA).

medium_round 16.jpg

small_round 16.jpg

thumbnail_round 16.jpg

round 16.jpg

HIFL ROUND OF 16 MATCH WEEK 1 RECAP …… DEFENDING CHAMPIONS ON BRINK OF EXIT

LAUTECH Hunters will attempt to shut down the FUTMINNA Transformers in Ogbomoso as matches in the Round of 16 of the 2021 Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) kick off today across four centres among the eight teams.

It would be recalled that LAUTECH Hunters qualified from Group C alongside FUTA Tigers and UNILAG Marines while FUTMINNA Transformers qualified from Group B with ABU Nobles.

In other rounds of 16 matches for week 1, AAUA Luminaries will host OAU Giants in Akungba; UNIBEN Royals will tackle UNICAL Malabites in Benin while BUK Stallions will slug it out with UNIMAID Desert Warriors in Kano.

Speaking on the matches, the Chief Strategy Officer at PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited, Goodness Onyejiaku, said fans will be thrilled at the talents on display.

President of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Prof. Stephen Hamafyelto equally noted: “HiFL is full of surprises and fans should get set to watch more exciting matches this season on our campuses.

“NUGA and HiFL is fully committed to their mandate of creating sporting opportunities for students in Nigerian universities to excel even as they conveniently marry sports and academics.”

The Higher Institution Football League (HiFL) an initiative of PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited started in 2018. The maiden edition was won by UAM Tillers.

medium_futminna.jpg

small_futminna.jpg

thumbnail_futminna.jpg

futminna.jpg

HIFL 2021 ROUND OF 16: LAUTECH SETS TO SHUT DOWN FUTMINNA

Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited, the organisers of the Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) has released the draws for the round of 16 games at an event held in Lagos. The games are scheduled to hold between June and September 2021.

In week 1, AAUA Luminaries will play OAU Giants in Ondo, FUTA Tigers will tackle UNILAG Marines in Akure, LAUTECH Hunters will attempt to hunt down the FUTMINNA Transformers in Ogbomoso while KSU Steelers engages UNILORIN Warriors.

For the week 2 games, UNIBEN Royals will play defending champion UNICAL Malabites, IAUE Minders will tackle UNN Lions in Port Harcourt, ABU Nobles will confront UAM Tillers in Zaria while BUK Stallions slugs it out with UNIMAID Desert Warriors in Kano.

Speaking at the draws, Director, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited, Sola Fijabi acknowledged the efforts of all participating schools and encouraged them to maintain their sportsmanlike conduct as the games go on.Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited, the organisers of the Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) has released the draws for the round of 16 games at an event held in Lagos. The games are scheduled to hold between June and September 2021.

Speaking at the draws, Director, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited, Sola Fijabi acknowledged the efforts of all participating schools and encouraged them to maintain their sportsmanlike conduct as the games go on.

blog

HiFL 2022 R16: ATBU Bravehearts beat KASU Crocs again to earn first-leg advantage

NUGA Champions UNILORIN Warriors beat UAM Tillers 1-0 in Makurdi

HiFL ’22: UNN Lions progress to Q/F after stalemate with UNIPORT Sharks

HiFL ’22: KSU Steelers beat FUTMINNA Transformers to reach quarter-Finals

HiFL 2022 R16: FUTMINNA Transformers come from two goals down to draw KSU Steelers

HiFL ’22 R16: EKSU Mountaineers beat FUOYE Dazzlers to draw first blood in ‘Ekiti Derby’

HiFL ’22 R16: UNN Lions smash UNIPORT Sharks in six-goal thriller

HiFL 2022 R16: 2021 Finalist, AAUA Luminaries faces tough test against LASU Blazers

HiFL 2022: 60 NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES DECLARE INTEREST

SOCIAL IMPACT OF HiFL

Featured Player

Featured School

About

Media

Organizers

ALL RIGHT RESERVED Higher Institutions Football League © 2018 - 2025