Ajise Israel
On Friday, the 10th of November, 2023, departments from the Faculty of Clinical Science and the Faculty of Public Health will go head to head at the finals of the University of Ibadan, College of Medicine, Provost Cup.
Recall that the football competition resumed this year, following a 13-year hiatus.
Public Health’s Human Nutrition grabbed the first ticket of the male’s final after edging out Biochemistry 5-4 on penalties on Monday, at the SUB pitch, following a 0-0 scoreline at fulltime in their semifinal clash.
The match featured end to end action as both sides gave their all to claim their place in the final. Human Nutrition dominated the first half but couldn’t find the opening goal.
The second half saw a rejuvenated Biochemistry side, as the the introduction of some substitutes proved effective. Biochemistry grew dangerous and carved their best scoring chance through the right flank. Luckily, Peter produced a sublime goalline clearance to shut the opposition out.
The second half was filled with chances after chances. Malik was next in line, as his direct effort from a corner was cleared off the line by the Biochemistry captain. Human Nutrition thought they had won a penalty in injury time. However, Michael’s cries were waved off by the referee. The tie was decided by the lottery of the penalty-shootout. Thanks to the heroics of captain Bobby Jay, the best goalkeeper of the group stage, Human Nutrition persevered and moved on to the next stage.
The second semi final match was a well-anticipated game between Medicine & Surgery and Physiology. Both teams had good runs at the just concluded SEALS Cup. With MB;BS clinching bronze and Physiology reaching the quarter final.
Led by Mark Obeya on the touchline, MB;BS played better than their opponents. Physiology struggled to create enough chances for their attackers, compared to the MB;BS side. However, MB;BS failed to capitalise on their opportunities as the game remained scoreless at halftime.
The second half continued same as the first; as MB;BS controlled most of the attack. Eventually, Ibadan Medicine broke the deadlock. Tofunmi received the ball in the midfield. He turned and found Ola on the left flank, who wrong-footed the goalkeeper with a well placed strike. The match ended 1-0 in favour of Mark Obeya’s team. MBBS sealed a final date versus Human Nutrition.
The result meant Biochemistry and Physiology would meet in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences derby at the 3rd/4th place final on Wednesday, November 8th.
Also, Nursing produced an upset in the female category of the Provost Cup. The Nurses defeated the MB;BS women with a lone goal, courtesy of a Kenny strike. Nursing will face their counterparts from the Environmental Health Science in the final on Friday. EHS Ladies defeated Public Health neighbours, Human Nutrition Ladies 3-2 on penalties, following a goalless draw at full time .
