NUGA22 Games: Unilorin beat OAU to claim soccer gold

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    The University of Ilorin, yesterday defeated Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) at the finals of the 26th Nigerian University Games (NUGA) on penalties, to win gold medal in the male football event, after ending the regulation time with no goal to neither side.

    University of Ilorin had the match under control for the entire duration  of the encounter, but OAU defenders kept their calm and maintain resistance, as they were forced to play in their own half.

    To reach the final, Unilorin Warriors beat Nasarawa State University by 2-1 at the semi-final, while OAU defeated the host institution, Unilag on penalties.

    Ogungbenro Mustapha of Unilorin Warriors thought he had put the Warriors ahead only to see his in bound goal tipped over the bar in the 62nd minutes.

    Coach Baba Gambari switches formation, bringing in Olawale Adeshina and Ajala Damilola, to increase the pressure onbthe the opponents.

    it was Unilorin Warriors that missed one of first five penalties, while OAU converted their first four only for their goalkeeper to sky the fifth, which eventually turns a blessing and restored hope for Unilorin Warriors.

    Unilorin Warriors won 5-4 to be crowned deserving champions, after an impressive outing throughout the competition, winning five of their six matches played in just six days.

    Unilorin Warriors had in 2017, loss at the final of the NUGA Games in Makurdi to eventual champions, University of Makurdi.

    University of Lagos loss 1-0 in the third place match, to Nassarawa State University to finish fourth. 

    Ajao Sodiq was name Most Valuable Player of the tournament, having captained his side to a famous first football gold medal in NUGA Games.

    The closing ceremony of the 26th NUGA Games holds today, while departure of all delegates is set for Sunday 27th March 2022.

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