By Israel Ajise
It was as a headline fixture at Awo stadium on Friday as two of the major universities in Oyo state clashed on the field of play. The University of Ibadan welcomed Ladoke Akintola University of Technology at the Awo stadium in a game that held a lot of importance. The winner of the tie would claim the only ticket available and represent Oyo state at the NUGA Games, male football category in Lagos.
However, what was meant to be a celebration of good football among tertiary institutions was rather a hotspot for crowd trouble. Before the match began, the UI-faithfuls came out prepared to support the Pioneers to victory. The war of banter was evident as they rallied around the stadium bearing a coffin-like structure to intimidate the Ladokites.
The game started slow, but as it wore on, the UI pioneers gained control of the game as they desperately tried to score the first goal.
After 45 minutes of quality football, the two teams were yet to be separated as the first half ended in stalemate. Nevertheless, the Ladokites goalkeeper would have tales to tell of how he repeatedly saved his team’s blushes.
At halftime, the match viewers were greeted by the representatives of the University of Lagos, who came to inform us that they were fully prepared to host the NUGA games in March.
Few minutes after the commencement of the second half, the game was brought to a halt after a fight broke out among the Lautech students at the away stand. The cause of the fight is yet to be ascertained, but it was rumoured that the match referees were disturbed by some away supporters who insisted that they didn’t want ball boys.
More fans broke out from the home crowd as attention shifted to the rancour at the away end. However, the situation escalated as the players were sent away from the field, and the match was paused for at least ten minutes.
Nonetheless, the situation was temporarily controlled so that the game could continue. UI continued to strive desperately to find a goal. A draw would not be favourable for the Pioneers due to their inferior goal difference; only a win would guarantee NUGA qualification for the UI. With about ten minutes left in the game, coach Allen introduced Michael King and Michael Ilori to salvage something.
The game grew more physical as players committed more dangerous fouls, and dirty tactics were displayed by the coaches of both camps.
As UI’s chances of qualifying appeared to be slowly slipping away, substitute Michael Ilori scored the clincher as he latched on to a cross from the left flank to plant a perfectly weighted volley behind the LAUTECH keeper.
The Ladokites’ shot-stopper was clueless and could not make a move.
Chants of “blow the final whistle” could be heard as the fans anticipated the end of the game.
The end would finally come as the referee signalled the end of the match but the drama was not over. Immediately the full-time whistle was blown, the home fans invaded the stadium, which resulted in an altercation with the folks from LAUTECH.
The pitch then became a battleground as both players and fans alike could be seen exchanging blows, kicks and unfriendly words. A LAUTECH player was stripped of his shirt and severely given a thorough beating.
Celebrations and provocation continued from the UI-faithfuls, as they celebrate their NUGA qualification. It was a beautiful game of football marred by violence.
