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 9^th and 19^th 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 68^th 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 36^th minute but a strike from Pelumi Abodunde in the 42^nd 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 21^st 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).