Ogungbenro Mustapha Stars As Unilorin Picks HiFL quarter final ticket
It was the show of Ogungbenro Mustapha as Unilorin Warriors eliminated University Of Agriculture, Makurdi from the ongoing Higher Institution Football League (HiFL) 3-2 on aggregate.
Zico as Ogungbenro Mustapha is widely know scored the only goal of the first leg in Makurdi as the warriors became the first side to defeat the two times champions in their backyard.
UAM Tillars stunned the home team as early as the 15th minutes when John Aogo scored the opener after benefiting from a defensive lapse to put the Tillars in an early lead.
The Unilorin Warriors came all out smoking with the trio of Fashanu, Ogungbenro and Godwin coming close on numerous occasions but couldn’t convert from the chances created.
UAM got their second goal against the run of play in the 38th minutes when Amodu Unite convert from close range to send the visitors into rapture.
The Warriors threw everything into the game shortly after conceding the second as Jamiu Mujeeb converted from 12 yards after the referee spotted an infringement in the UAM Tillars penalty area as he pointed to the spot just at the stroke of half time.
On resumption, the warriors dominated play and not long Igoh Godwin exchanged passes with Micheal Fashanu before the later sent in a cross which was headed in by Ogungbenro Mustapha to level up scores and handed the warriors the advantage for the first time in the game on the 59th minutes.
The Tillars struggled to contain the warriors as Ogungbenro Mustapha rattled the crossbar with a stinger from yards out and Fashanu missing a sitter just a moment to the sound of final whistle.
With the sound of the final whistle Unilorin Warriors qualified ahead of the two time champions and will set up a single leg quarter Final with Abubakar Tafawa Balawa University, Bauchi at a yet to be decided venue.
ATBU bravehearts defeated Kaduna State University to book a place in the Quarter Finals.
Reacting after the game, Ogungbenro Mustapha
“The football game has unpredictable outcomes, filled with tension and excitement. The will to fight until the referee’s last blast of the whistle separates WARRIORS from ordinary footballers”.
“Today’s second leg encounter against UAM Tillers was a massive test for the WARRIORS, which we overcame thanks to teamwork”.
“Going two goals down was never on the cards for us, and it took a toll on us. Our response as an experienced side helped maintain our unbeaten run at home”.
Zico rounded up by congratulating his team mates, coaches and fans.
“I congratulate the WARRIORS on completing the first job and ensuring the mission continues. The coaching crew and team officials gave their all, and I’m glad we did not let them down”.
“To our esteemed fans, we appreciate your support from the first leg in Markurdi till this moment. You guys are the real MVPs who were always there to remind us that we must never give up”.