Football

Ife subdues UNILAG in Alumni supremacy battle

It was an atmosphere of conviviality, camaraderie, fun and glitz at the Area 3 Football Pitch, Abuja as old students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife (formerly UNIFE) and their University of Lagos (UNILAG) battle each other in a football friendly as part of activities to mark UNILAG Week in Abuja.

At the end of hostilities, OAU ran away with a 2-1 victory scoring in each half to put their host to the sword, winning the gold medals and the trophy at stake.

Event organiser and House of Representatives member representing Ibeju Lekki Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Honourable Bayo Balogun, who commended the two teams for displaying the spirit of sportsmanship, said the objectives of the friendly was met as old students were able to meet again after leaving school some years back.

He added that there are plans in the pipeline to invite more alumni to be part of the competition and make it an annual competition.

Also speaking with Sporting Tribune, the chairman, Abuja branch, Great Ife Alumni Association, Mr Sola Bickersteth, commended his team for putting up a good performance that earned them the victory.

“It’s a good feeling. We worked very well for it despite the short notice. And of course, the result is what you can see with a lot of hard work.

“This is wonderful. It’s always good for people to come around and to enjoy themselves. This is more of enjoyment than a match and the camaraderie has been very great.

“We appreciate everyone that has made this event possible and we know we can extend it to other universities across Abuja alumni associations,” Bickersteth told Sporting Tribune.

The highlights of the event was the presentation of medals to the players of the two teams and the trophy to the winners.