The University of Nigeria (UNN) Lions yesterday defeated University of Benin (UNIBEN) Royals 2-0 in a quarter-final game of the on-going Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL).

The game played at the University of Nigeria Sports Complex was dramatic as the Royals who ousted the defending champion UNICAL Malabites, met a resolute Lions’ defence line led by StanbicIBTC Man-of-the-Match Emeka Alex while Anichebe Elvis scored the brace for the   Lions in the 37th and 52nd minutes.

“We were anxious in the first ten minutes of the game but I told my team that we have to utilise our home advantage for us to secure our place in the finals in Lagos. They did what we planned, and we eventually won,” an elated UNN Lions’ coach Ike Chijoke said.

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Elsewhere, UNILAG Marines played a goalless draw with the AAUA Luminaries from Akungba at the Lagos State University Sports Complex. But Abdul-Khalil Nurudeen of the AAUA Luminaries was voted as the StanbicIBTC Man-of-the-Match.

Meanwhile, the game in Ilorin between UNILORIN Warriors and the FUTMInna Transformers also ended in a goalless draw.

In his reaction, Chief Strategy Officers of Pace Sports, Goodness Onyejiaku expressed delight at the level of sportsmanship among the teams while also appreciating the sponsors for their commitment to youth development in Nigeria.