Kogi State University, KSU Steelers have emerged as the first state university to clinch the title of the Higher Institution Football League, HIFL as they defeated Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE Dazzlers, 3-1 in the final of the 2022 HIFL edition.
Early goal by FUOYE Dazzlers player Kolawole Dolapo who converted from the spot kick in the first minute of the game after the blast to kickoff the game by the referee, gave them the lead before the Kogi based boy’s player Ojochemeni Anuba reduced the deficit in the 2 minutes to level the score line 1-1.
The Sports Pavilion of the Yaba College of Technology in Lagos was beehive of turnouts as KSU Steelers deployed all their arsenals to increase the lead in the first half but the FUOYE defense was resilience to deny the Kogi based boys their several attempts.
It ended 1-1 in the first half.
But, KSU Steelers imprinted their name among HIFL title holders as they resume the second half with more energy, thanks to the cheers from their supporters who comprise of their institution professors, the state’s commissioner of sports and others students who came in numbers to give their support.
KSU Steelers increased the tally with two goals from Mohammed Suleiman and Jude Benjamin in the second half to defeat FUOYE Dazzlers who secured the finale spot after Delta State University, DELSU Titans were axed out of the tournament because of fielding ineligible players.
Earlier UNN Lions defeated UNILORIN Warriors, 1-0, in what seem surprising owing to the breakthrough that came few minutes to the end of the full match. They have secured the bronze medal of the HiFL 2022 season by defeating UNILORIN Warriors in the third-place match by a lone goal.