By Oluwademilade Ogunleye
On Thursday, September 25, 2025, the University of Ibadan football teams wrote a new chapter in their history by defeating their counterparts from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in both the male and female categories of the Pre-NUGA qualifying games. This feat comes just three years after UI achieved a similar double victory against LAUTECH in the 2022 edition.
UI, grouped in Zone B alongside LAUTECH, First Technical University, Lead City University, and Emmanuel Alayande University, faced a tough path to qualification. But on the day, they proved their dominance.
The day’s action began with the UI Amazons, who produced a spirited comeback to edge the LAUTECH Babes 2–1. Their resilience set the perfect tone for the men’s clash, where the UI Pioneers approached the game brimming with confidence.
The atmosphere at the New Awolowo Stadium was electric, with fans in full voice rallying behind the home side. UI’s starting lineup included Olami in goal; Bade, Deji, Emeka, and Jay in defence; Pamilerin, Somod, and Heskeyman in midfield; while captain Mjay, Korede, and Mbappe spearheaded the attack.
LAUTECH tries to set up a counter-attack for an opening goal
LAUTECH tries to set up a counter-attack for an opening goalFrom kickoff, the match was intense. LAUTECH relied on physicality, committing early fouls to disrupt UI’s rhythm. Yet the Pioneers responded with discipline and attacking intent. Heskeyman nearly set up Mjay in the opening minutes, only for the LAUTECH defence to intervene. Mjay also had an early goal ruled out for offside, while LAUTECH threatened on the counter but shot wide.
UI continued to probe, and just before halftime, Pamilerin’s fierce half-volley forced a brilliant save from the LAUTECH goalkeeper. Despite end-to-end action, both sides went into the break goalless.
The second half, however, belonged to UI. Just 10 minutes after the restart, Mbappe’s effort was illegally stopped by a LAUTECH defender’s handball on the line. The referee awarded a penalty and sent the offender off. Deji stepped up and coolly converted from the spot, putting the Pioneers 1–0 ahead.
Pamilerin was soon replaced by Tobi as UI looked to build on their lead. Despite being a man down, LAUTECH pressed hard, but Korede missed two quick chances to extend UI’s advantage. LAUTECH nearly equalised through their No. 15, whose shot narrowly cleared the bar.
UI introduced Ohunrere, the only 100-level player in the squad, in place of Korede, while later substitutions saw VK replace Somod and Demilade come in for captain Mjay.
Just when it seemed the game would end 1–0, Mbappe delivered the moment of the match. Latching onto a low cross, he produced a diving header to seal a 2–0 victory for the Pioneers. Olami, in goal, ensured a clean sheet with a fine late save as the final whistle confirmed UI’s double triumph.
In post-match reactions with UCJUI, both goal scorers praised the team’s spirit and focus. Deji expressed confidence in his penalty: “I just knew I was going to score it. Everything from the team today was 100%.” Looking ahead to NUGA, he was bullish: “We’re going all the way to the final. No team can stop us from winning gold this year.”
Mbappe, visibly overjoyed, rated his performance a 7.5/10 but credited Coach Allen’s pre-match words for firing up the team: “Coach said, ‘This is our school. You cannot come and beat us in our school.’ That gave us belief, and we played as one.” He too was confident: “I am 101% sure we’re going to win.”
The double victory means both the UI male and female football teams will represent Zone B at the 2025 NUGA Games, scheduled to hold later this year in Jos. With such dominant performances, the University of Ibadan has set its sights firmly on national glory.
