By Abdul-Hayi Moomen
In a thrilling finale at the FASU Games, the University for Development Studies (UDS) asserted its dominance over co-hosts, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), with a resounding 3-0 victory to claim the African championship. UDS, playing a fluid 4-3-3 formation, controlled the game from the opening whistle, and their stellar performance has earned them the honor of representing Africa at the World University Games in China.
The match kicked off with an electric atmosphere, but it quickly became clear that UDS was determined to seize the title. Their intent was evident from the start, with most of the play concentrated in the UNILAG half. The UDS midfield, orchestrated by the ever-composed Mohammed Asigri, weaved together a series of clever passes that kept the UNILAG defense on high alert. However, they could only hold on for so long.
The first breakthrough came in the 20th minute when tournament top scorer, Ezideen, found space at the edge of the box. A precise pass from Yirenkyi put Ezideen in a perfect position, and without hesitation, he unleashed a powerful shot that soared past the outstretched arms of the UNILAG goalkeeper. The UDS fans erupted in celebration as the ball nestled into the back of the net, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Ten minutes later, UDS struck again. This time, it was a moment of poor concentration from the UNILAG defense that cost them dearly. A well-delivered corner kick by Ezideen found Pascal, who had slipped through the defense unnoticed. With composure beyond his years, Pascal met the ball perfectly and slotted it into the net, doubling UDS’s lead in the 35th minute. The UNILAG goalkeeper could only watch as his defenders looked on in disbelief.
With a commanding 2-0 lead going into halftime, UDS continued to dominate, keeping UNILAG pinned in their own half. The UDS coaching team, led by Director of Sports Samuel Kojo Whyte and head coach Mubashir Abdulai, remained animated on the sidelines, barking out instructions that kept their team focused and relentless. Their tactical acumen ensured that the UNILAG attackers were kept at bay, with UDS goalkeeper Edo hardly tested throughout the game.
The second half saw more of the same, with UDS controlling possession and dictating the tempo. In the 78th minute, a string of intricate passes through the midfield, once again masterminded by Mohammed Asigri, carved open the UNILAG defense. Ezideen, timing his run to perfection, latched onto a beautiful through pass and calmly slotted the ball into the net, sealing the victory and his second goal of the match.
As the final whistle blew, UDS players and fans celebrated in jubilation, knowing they had earned the prestigious title of African champions. Their dominant display throughout the tournament, capped by this emphatic win, has now secured their place at the World University Games in China, where they will proudly represent Africa.
With tactical discipline, offensive brilliance, and an unbreakable defense, UDS has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in African university football.
