History was made on Saturday as KSU Steelers from Kogi State University Ayangba became the first state-owned university to win the prestigious Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL). 

In a thrilling match played at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, KSU Steelers fought back  from a goal down to defeat the FOUYE Dazzlers from the Federal University Oye Ekiti 3-1 in the final of the HiFL 2022 season. 

The match had barely started when a Dazzlers striker was hacked down by one of the Steelers defenders. Kolawole Oladapo converted the resulting penalty kick to put the Dazzlers ahead. 

However, geared on by the presence of their Vice-Chancellor Prof. Marietu Ohunene Tenube, KSU Steelers equalised through Samuel Odutola in the 3rd minute while the fans of the Dazzlers were still celebrating their lead. The first half ended 1-1. 

The second half started on a fiery note as both teams cancelled themselves out until mid-way into the second half when Mohammed Suleiman, the captain of the Steelers and StanbicIBTC Man-of-the-match scored the second goal for the Steelers. Anuba Ojochenemi finally put a stop to the quest of the Dazzlers when he scored the third goal. 

Earlier in the third-place match, UNN Lions from the University of Nigeria Nsukka secured the slot which they won last year by defeating the UNILORIN Warriors 1-0. 

The Lions’ goal was scored by Chukwu Echere Lawrence. 

Speaking after the match, the Chairman, Board of HiFL Dr Kachi Onubogu saluted the courage of the players while exalting the support from the authorities of the participating schools. 

“We can all see the influence of the support we get from our dear sponsors such as StanbicIBTC, Lagos State Internal Revenue Services, Bold and Indomie. The authorities and players of the participating schools have also shown great desire as we witnessed the presence of the Kogi State University Vice Chancellor at the finals. Last year we also had the Vice-Chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University watch the finals live”.

He added that “now is the time to push for more in terms of the attention paid to collegiate sports, particularly football. The Higher Institutions Football League has provided a creditable platform for government, school authorities, players and indeed discerning sponsors who are keen on registering their footprint on the sand of time regarding their contributions to youth development in Nigeria”.

Vice-Chancellor of Kogi State University Prof Tenube in her reaction thanked Pace Sports and Marketing and the Nigerian University Games Association for providing a platform such as this for the students. Despite the ongoing ASUU strike which affected this year’s league to some extent, Prof Dosu Malomo who represented the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye Ekiti said the organisers have done well to bring the 2022 league to such a thrilling conclusion.

With this victory, KSU Steelers became the first team to score more than one goal in the HiFL finals while UNN Lions became the first team to win two consecutive third-place matches in the HiFL Super Four. The goal by Kolawole Dolapo of the FOUYE Dazzlers in the first minute became the fastest goal in the HiFL final as the finals also went into history as the game with the highest number of goals scored in regulation time with a total of four goals.

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HiFL® 2022: KSU Steelers Crowned Champions

Over 60 teams across different tertiary institutions in Nigeria will contest for honours in the 2022 Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) which kicks off in April with team registration while the qualifiers begin in May. According to Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing who are the organisers of the game, this year’s edition promises to be “more than a game” with other exciting activities which have been concluded for this 5th edition of the games.

Speaking at the international press conference to unveil programs for the 2022 edition, Chairman of the Higher Institution Football League (HiFL) Dr Onyekachi Onubogu said preparations are in top gear to ensure that lovers of football in the country enjoy the best of collegiate football this season. Building on the successes recorded in previous seasons, Onubogu said the projection is to make HiFL the biggest tertiary institutions competition in Africa with the support of all relevant stakeholders. “We sincerely appreciate our sponsors, Stanbic IBTC and BOLD Drinks for their esteemed support and commitment to developing the Nigerian youths and collegiate sports” Onubogu stated.

Head, Brand and Marketing at Stanbic IBTC Mrs. Bridget Oyefeso-Odusami in her remark said “this is the fourth year of our partnership with HiFL. We had committed to a partnership for five years after which it will be evaluated. It has been interesting and we are still committed to the course to which we said we will. HiFL has done a great job so far. We realise that some of the teams that participated in the last edition of HiFL won most of the medals at this year’s NUGA games. On behalf of the Chief Executive for the Group and the Bank, we extend our goodwill and ask that the players should continue putting in their hard work. We will continue to do our bit in supporting youth development in Nigeria”.

Elaborating on the modalities, Director, PACE Sports, Sola Fijabi explained that “the 2022 season promises so much excitement. We will have more schools register for the league this year as we also hope to expand the offerings. We want our stakeholders to feel the vibes that HiFL has created since its inception. We appreciate the success recorded so far and we hope for more going forward. Our goal is to consistently build on the achievements of the initiative to make it a reference point for collegiate sports in Africa”.

In his speech, the President of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), Prof. Stephen Hamafyelto commended the organisers and assured all stakeholders that the association is committed to ensuring that the 2022 HiFL season is a success. According to the season’s schedule, team registration will begin in April while the qualifying rounds start in May through to the Super Four Finals scheduled to hold in September.

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HiFL® 2022: 60 teams jostle for honours as league kicks off in April

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.”

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HiFL 2021: UNIMAID DESERT WARRIORS EMERGE CHAMPIONS

The 2019 edition of the Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL), ended in grand style with University of Calabar, UNICAL Malabites defeating defending champions UAM Tillers (5-4) on penalties in Lagos on Saturday, to emerge champions of the league’s second edition.

It was sweet revenge for the UNICAL Malabites, after a re-enactment of the 2018 finals, which they lost to UAM Tillers.

UAM Tillers started the game on the front foot and showed flashes of why they deserve a place in the finals. In the 16th minute, the efforts of the lads from Makurdi, paid off, as captain, Assen Shater, with jersey no 10, closed out a brilliant pass with a superb finish.

The defending champions dominated play for most of the first half despite playing with 10 men after Dolumon Anikyongu got sent off following a second yellow card.

UNICAL Malabites however, came into the game in the second half and got a goal in the 62nd minute from substitute Ngaji Mojafu. Despite the equalizer, UAM Tillers created the most chances in the second half, but had to settle for a draw at the end of full time.

The game ended 5:4 on penalties in favour of UNICAL Malabites at the end of regulation time.

Speaking during an international press conference organized before the match, Director, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Sola Fijabi, said that he is impressed with the huge support that the league has garnered and sustained since its launch especially during the second season.

“It is heart-warming to deliver a bigger, bolder and even better second season as promised. We are especially happy that the league did not only create an engagement platform for brands and several stakeholders, but it also unified students across Nigeria in the delightful spirit of sportsmanship, our expansion of teams to 32 and our very impactful coaching clinic are some of the many strides that we achieved in the season.

We are extremely prepared for the 2020 edition and we are hopeful that like this second season, subsequent editions of the league will continue to have positive impact on sports and education in Nigeria” Fijabi concluded.

Speaking after the final match, President, Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Prof Stephen Hamafyelto expressed satisfaction about the organization and execution of the second edition “This edition has really proven that we are here for the long term. We have once again delivered on the promises we made regarding standards, discipline even fair-play, especially as it concerns delivering a bigger and better league season”

We are glad that the league has not only given a voice and a face to football talents across the country and in various institutions, but is also providing hope and a veritable platform of success for the numerous talents that are being discovered” He added.

32 teams participated in the 2019 HiFL season. UNILORIN Warriors emerged as winners of the Third Place Playoff after defeating OAU Giants in a thrilling encounter, which ended 4:3 on penalties.

The Higher Institutions Football League is organised by PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing in partnership with the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA). The league is sponsored by Stanbic IBTC, Indomie Nigeria and Premier Cool.

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UNICAL Malabites are Champions of 2019 HiFL Season

The 2018 edition of the Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL), ended in grand style with University of Makurdi Tillers defeating University of Calabar 5:4 on penalties in Lagos, Saturday, to emerge champions of the league’s maiden edition.

The tillers from Makurdi started the game on the front foot, with skipper and highest goal scorer of the tournament Ebuka David at the thick of action, but the Okorie Okechukwu- led UNICAL Malabites defence stood resilient. The boys from Calabar were the better side in the second half as skipper and man of the match, Charles Ufot created a lot of chances that were poorly finished. A 5:4 Defeat on penalties, in favour of UAM Tillers, succeeded the goalless stalemate at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.

Speaking during an international press conference organized before the match, Director, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Sola Fijabi, said that he is impressed with the huge support that the league has garnered and sustained since its launch “It is heart-warming to close out our first season on a high note. We are especially happy that the league did not only create an engagement platform for brands and several stakeholders, but it also unified students across Nigeria in the delightful spirit of sportsmanship.

“We are extremely prepared for the 2019 edition to accommodate more schools than what we presently have. In 2019 there will be 32 schools participating, which is twice the number of schools in season 1, and they will participate in the competition after a qualifying round that will feature about 80 schools. We are hopeful that like the maiden edition, subsequent editions of the league will continue to have positive impact on sports and education in Nigeria.

“We hope to place collegiate sports in Nigeria on the same pedestal obtainable in other countries that have recorded successes and built a strong network of young, home-grown sporting and football talents in particular” Fijabi concluded.

Speaking after the final match, President, Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Prof Stephen Hamafyelto enthused that “The maiden edition of the Higher Institutions Football league has been largely successful. We have delivered on the promises we made regarding standards, discipline and even fair-play. The fact that the winner of the last NUGA Games is also the winner of the 2018 HiFL competition is further proof of the credibility of both NUGA and HiFL. Next year, we look forward to a more brilliant and interesting execution plan that will enable more schools to participate.

We are glad that the league has not only given a voice and a face to football talents across the country, but is also providing hope and a veritable platform of success for the numerous talents that are being discovered” He added.

16 teams participated in the 2018 HiFL season. The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU Giants) emerged as winners of the Third Place Playoff after defeating University of University of Ilorin (Unilorin Warriors) in a thrilling encounter, which ended 3:1.

HiFL is organized in partnership with the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA). The league is overseen by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Committee of Vice-Chancellors (CVC). The winner of HIFL will represent Nigeria at the 2019 International University Sports Federation games in Naples, Italy.

news

HiFL® 2022: KSU Steelers Crowned Champions

HiFL® 2022: 60 teams jostle for honours as league kicks off in April

HiFL 2021: UNIMAID DESERT WARRIORS EMERGE CHAMPIONS

UNICAL Malabites are Champions of 2019 HiFL Season

UAM Tillers Emerge Champions Of Nigeria’s First Collegiate Football League

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