ATBU, IAUE, UNILORIN win away as EKSU beats FUOYE 1-0

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (ATBU) Bauchi Brave Hearts, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, Minders and UNILORIN Warriors were victorious away from home in the first leg of their round of 16 matches of the ongoing Higher Institutions Football League (HiFi).

The competition is organised by Pace Sports and supported by StanbicIBTC, Bold, LIRS and Indomie Noodles in its fourth active season.  

The ATBU Brave Hearts defeated Kaduna State University (KASU) Crocs 2-0 in Kaduna, while the UNILORIN Warriors beat former champions, University of Agriculture Markurdi (UAM) Tillers, 1-0 in Makurdi.  

Goals from Isah Idris and Simeon Habka in the eighth and 85th minutes gave the Brave Boys from Yankari Games Reserve victory over the Crocs, while Mustapha Ogungbenro’s 14th-minute goal was enough for the Warriors to outclass the UAM Tillers at home.  

In a local derby in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State University (EKSU) Mountaineers capitalised on home support led by the school’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edward Olanipekun, to beat FUOYE Dazzlers 1-0 through an 82nd-minute goal from Olamilekan Adebunmi.  

In a thrilling eastern derby, the IAUE Minders defeated their host, Delta State University (DELSU) Titans 3-2 in Ozoro.  

Abel Eli of IAUE Minders scored a hat-trick with goals in the 39th, 47th and 84th minutes to put the Minders in a good place going into the second leg. Reginald Okonjo of the Titans scored the two goals for the Okowa Boys in the 26th and 42nd minutes via penalties.  

The first round of the return leg of the matches comes up on August 10. BUK Stallions needs a goalless draw at home to oust defending champions, UNIMAID Desert Warriors, while UNN Lions will seek to consolidate their two-goal advantage as they battle UNIPORT Sharks in Port Harcourt.

AAUA Luminaries stands ousted from this year’s competition except they can overturn a two-goal home loss that they suffered when they tackle LASU Blazers in Lagos, while KSU Steelers will stoop to conquer at home in their clash against FUTMinna Transformers after recording a 2-2 draw in Minna.