Ayomide Akinsola Scenes of pure tension and euphoria swept through SUB as the final match of the SEALS Cup 2025 between MBBS and HKE culminated in what many are already calling the most intense penalty shootout in the tournament’s history.
The highly anticipated finale kicked off at approximately 6:00 PM, with MBBS seeking to etch their names in history as back-to-back champions, while HKE, the clear underdogs were poised to spring an upset.
As the game commenced, MBBS immediately took control, pressing HKE deep into their own half. Karbon and his attacking line peppered the defense, but HKE’s backline stood firm, absorbing the pressure and denying any real breakthroughs.
The second half, however, saw a complete turnaround. HKE emerged from the break with renewed intensity, dominating possession and pinning MBBS back. Despite their dominance, neither side was able to find the back of the net, and the final whistle blew with the score still locked at 0-0, a cagey, tactical affair that set the stage for a penalty shootout of epic proportions.
And what a shootout it was.
MBBS: ✅❌✅✅✅✅✅❌✅✅✅✅
HKE: ❌✅✅✅✅✅✅❌✅✅✅❌
After an astonishing 12 rounds of penalties, MBBS held their nerve and edged out HKE in a breathtaking finish.
With this victory, the University of Ibadan Medical Students’ Association has pulled off the unprecedented, becoming the second team to win the SEALS Cup twice after the department of Sociology.
MBBS have delivered a campaign to remember. Once again, they’ve proven why they are the standard, the team to beat, the team that sets the bar. SEALS Cup 2025 belongs to MBBS. Again.
The distribution of awards saw both teams dominate with KHE clinching 4 awards and MBBS winning 3 through the men and women’s categories.
Next rated (M): Emmanuel for Economics
Next rated (F): Heritage from Philosophy
Goalkeeper of the tournament (F): Gold from KHE
Goalkeeper of the tournament (M): Tomiwa from KHE
Highest goalscorer (F): Heritage Philosophy; 6 goals)
Highest Goalscorer (M): Ola (MBBS)
Player of the tournament (F): Deborah (KHE)
Player of the tournament (M): Karbon (MBBS)
Coach of the tournament (M): Liam (MBBS)
Coach of the tournament (F): Akujobi James (KHE)
