The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) are among teams that have qualified for the round of 16 of the on-going Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL), which preliminary round ended at the weekend.
Two teams from each zone of the competition organised by PACE Sports and Entertainment Limited qualified automatically for the round of 16, where the 2019 Super Four teams on standby join them.
In Zone A, the team from Kogi State University (KSU) turned out to be the surprise package toping the Zone with nine points and a plus five goals difference from four games pushing veterans UNIMAID to the second position on seven points. In the final game between both teams, Muhammed Yahaya of KSU scored both goals for his team in the 12th and 80th minute, while UNIMAID’s Kachalla Maikadir scored the only goal for his team in the 17th minute to end the game 2-1 in favour of KSU.
FUTMINNA Transformers and ABU Nobles played out a goalless draw in Zone B to finish first and second respectively. In Zone C, where the teams were divided into two pots, LAUTECH and FUTA Tigers emerged the winners from each pot. Both teams finished on four points. LASU Blazers who are the host institution for the Zone failed to qualify after losing their two games and ended with no point.
UNIBEN Royals showed class in Zone D to end up on 10 points with a plus four goals difference. Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) joined them as the second team to automatically qualify from the zone after defeating the NDU Oilers 2-1 in their last match and garnered six points.
In Uyo, the IAUE Minders ended their campaign on a high with a 5-0 drubbing of the FUNAI Hawks to end on seven points in second place. The UNN Lions led the zone with eight points after four matches.
Speaking on the qualifiers, Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) President, Prof. Stephen Hamafyelto, said, “the final 16 teams are about ready and as the results have shown, HiFL is full is full of surprises and our fans should get set to watch more exciting matches as great talents are emerging this season on our campuses.”
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