OAU Giants defeat UI Pioneers In HIFL Contest

Onwuka Sylvester



The Obafemi Awolowo University football team,  OAU Giants on Wednesday, put themselves in the drivers seat after defeating UI Pioneers 2 - 0 in the round 16 qualifier fixture at the ongoing Higher institution Football League (HIFL)  Competition. 

The Giants playing on home turf at the Obafemi Awolowo University Sports Complex in Ile-Ife, made ample use of the home advantage with both goals coming within the First 45 minutes of the game. 

Bronze Medalist and Former skipper of the Ife based side in the maiden edition,  Olumofeseyi James opened scoring in the 18th minute after connecting beautifully with his head from throw in to put the ball past the pioneers goalkeeper.


While Olaniyi Muyiwa, slotted home from the penalty spot in the 35th minute after a pioneer player handled the ball in the 18 yards box to give the Giants a 2 goal cushion. 

The Pioneers came with renewed hope and vigor after the break,  but the Giants defence remained airtight with Giants goalkeeper and winner of the golden gloves last time, Ebire, pulling strings of fantastic saves to ensure the scoreline unchanged.

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the man of the match award to Olumofeseyi by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Admin of the institution, Prof Chris Ajila. 

Speaking exclusively to OAU Kilonshele, the MOTM winner,  Mr Olumofesheyi gave gratitude to God and his Team mates for winning and expressed optimism about his sides chances of progressing further. 

Furthermore skipper of the Giants, Adegoke  Toheeb while applauding the confidence of his side stated that there was still room for improvement in the next game. 

Also speaking on the victory,  Coach Chike who already tipped his lads to bring the trophy to Ife, highlighted exam stress as a limiting factor for his boys, while showing great optimism that the second leg will be better. 
Meanwhile, Coach Allen of the UI Pioneers applauded the overall officiating, despite describing the penalty awarded the Giants as soft. 

The Giants Qualified automatically for the round of 16 after finishing 3rd in last years maiden Edition, while the Pioneers progressed after defeating LASU blazers 2-0 to seal second spot in group B with 5 points, during the qualifiers. 


The Giants will now go into the second leg with a valuable 2 goal edge as they battle the Pioneers  at the Awo stadium, University of Ibadan on August 7th.

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