Violence Erupts As OAU beat UNILAG on Penalties, While UI Sits At 29th Position on Medals Table
The events that transpired at the end of the semi-final contest between OAU and UNILAG is an eyesore and a testament to the decadence in the Nigerian society which cuts across sports, education, economy, security and all other aspects that ensures the existence of this nation.
First of all, it was the hostile treatment of UI supporters at the Quarter Finals playoffs against UNILAG, as the Team UI supporters were barred from sitting in the stands to watch their match against UNILAG for showing solidarity for UI. Although the match ended 1-0 in favour of UNILAG, much more than the defeat, the fan’s action of the UNILAG supporters left a bitter taste on the mouth of the comrades from the first and best university. Much more a dent on the whole NUGA competition itself as it clearly negates the spirits of fairness and sportsmanship in sports.
However, the worst was set on display at the semi-finals contest between UNILAG and OAU. The match had ended 0-0 at full time and OAU eventually emerged victorious after winning 4-3 on penalties. But the contest would remain popular not for football itself but the violence. According to eye witness report from The Making Of Champions on Twitter (@MakingOfChampions) ” Obafemi Awolowo University got the bragging rights over @UnilagNigeria in their semifinal Football match, beating them 4-3 on penalties with the game ending 1-1 AET. However, violence erupted after the match with fans of Unilag attacking the referee when they lost. Thankfully joint security operatives of DSS, NDLEA & the Police anticipated the violence and whisked the referee away. The irate Unilag mob went after the car conveying the referee out of the arena, and they only retreated after the car sped away from the sports complex.”
Another Twitter user @hoyet also commented “Horrible! The referee did a good job. It’s sad to see undergraduates behave like this. There was a point they were throwing plastic cause the ref made a decision that didn’t go their way. You win some and lose some. Overall, it was an interesting match with an electric atmosphere”
In what has been a remarkable competition till now, this will serve as a dent in the image of the organisers and the games itself which will never be taken out of the history books.
However, while the drama played out at the UNILAG Sports Complex, UNILORIN also emerged victorious in their contest and will be facing off again OAU in the final.
The University of Ibadan on the other hand after having crashed out in a number of sporting activities sits at 29th position on the medals table with 5 Silver medals and 9 Bronze Medals.
The competition is gradually rounding up as it gets into the final stages of the competitions that are still ongoing. The Eko Entertainment village is expected to open this evening and BBN 2020 winner Laycon is expected to thrill fans with a scintillating performance amongst many other acts.
