How Kogi State University Steelers set HiFL record

 

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

In a thrilling final decided at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, KSU Steelers came from a goal down to defeat the FOUYE Dazzlers from the Federal University Oye Ekiti by 3-1 in the finals.

It was their first appearance in the final and their semi final victory over highly rated Unilorin Warriors was the tonic needed to domainte HIFL 2022.

Backed by their partisan fans, FUOYE Dazzlers proved they were in for business after making a quick move straight from kickoff that resulted in a penalty after their stariker was hacked down by one of the Steelers defenders.

Skipper Kolawole Oladapo converted the resulting penalty kick to put the Dazzlers ahead.

Geared by the presence of their Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Marietu Ohunene Tenube, KSU Steelers equalized through Samuel Odutola in the 3rd minute while the fans of the Dazzlers were still celebrating their lead.

The first half ended 1-1.

Both sides started the second half on a fiery note as they cancelled themselves out until mid-way when Mohammed Suleiman, the captain of the Steelers and StanbicIBTC Man-of-the-match scored the second goal for the Steelers.

Anuba Ojochenemi finally sealed victory for his side when he scored the third goal to send their fans into seventh heaven.

At this point FUOYE Dazzlers couldn’t continue the fight and had tried to prevent more damage.

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.