Kogi State University Win Historic Football League Title

Kogi State University have become champions of the fourth edition of the Higher Institution Football League, HiFL concluded in Lagos on Saturday.

Team Kogi, nicknamed KSU Steelers, came from behind to defeat their Federal University Oye counterparts, FUOYE Dazzlers 3-1 to become the champions.

As it was the first time both teams reached the finals, the Kogi Steelers made sure to make history as the first public university to win the HiFL title with a resounding victory.

Goals from Samuel Odutola, Suleiman Muhammed and Anuba Selah in the first and second half gave the Kogi Steelers the title.

Unfortunately, FUOYE Dazzlers' only goal from the penalty spot was not enough to save the day as they settled for second place.

Rapid start

Interestingly, it was the FUOYE Dazzlers who started as the brightest team, scoring in the first minute from the penalty spot.

A foul by Steelers defender Fidelis Ojochenemi on Toheeb Adebayo was rightly sanctioned

The resulting kick was deftly converted by Fuoye's captain, Kolawole Dolapo, who sent goalkeeper, Onuh Sunday, to the wrong side.

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However, the lead was short-lived as the Steelers equalized on Samuel Odutola's goal in the fourth minute.

After the fireworks of the opening rallies, both teams failed to score another goal until the 66th minute when the KSU Steelers took the lead with a well-executed solo effort from their captain, Suleiman Muhammed.

The KSU Steelers sealed their historic victory in the 80th minute when Anuba Selah took advantage of the looseness of the FUOYE Dazzlers backline defense.

Third place

In the third-place game played earlier, UNN Lions upset Unilorin Warriors with just one goal for their second consecutive third-place win.

Both teams played a sterile draw in the first half of the game with several missed chances.

However, Ajala Damilola's sloppy footwork cost Ilorin Warriors dearly as Edieru Lawrence seized the opportunity to beat Adams Josiah for the game's only goal.

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