The Kogi State University (KSU) Steelers are champions of the 2022 Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) championship after defeating FUOYE Dazzlers of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti 2-1 in the final on Saturday.

FUOYE Dazzlers followed the footpath of AAUA Luminaries from Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba, who became the first South-west institution to qualify for the final of the championship (excluding eFootball season).

AAUA Luminaries reached the final in the 2021 edition of the championship but were defeated 1-0 by UNIMAID Desert Warriors from University of Maiduguri.

KSU Steelers are also debutant in the final having defeated UNILORIN Warriors from University of Ilorin 1-0 in the other semi final.

Just 13 seconds into the game, FUOYE Dazzlers were awarded a penalty for an infringement on their player by Adah Fidelis. However, Dolapo Kolawole slotted it into the net to give the Ekiti contingents a 1-0 lead.

It was long when KSU Steelers responded when Samuel Odutola scored in the fourth minute to equalise to bring his team back into the game.

FUOYE Dazzlers found the back of the net once again in the 25th minute but it was ruled out as the assistant referee raised the flag after the ball went off the line before Dazzlers’ player took the cross.

Three minutes before the halftime whistle, FUOYE Dazzlers goalkeeper Lawani Clinton made a good save to deny KSU Steelers the lead.

The first half ended 1-1 at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Pavilion in Lagos.

After several attempts from both sides for the first twenty-three minutes of the second half, KSU Steelers finally found the back of the to take the lead for the first time in the encounter.

Few minutes later, Odutola grabbed his brace of the evening to double KSU Steelers lead and sealed the victory for the Kogi State institution.

There were more goals in the match as KSU Steelers won 3-1 to become the first State University to win the annual football tournament.

Their captain Suleiman Mohamed scored the goal from a well-played through pass.

Meanwhile, UNN Lions from University of Nigeria Nsukka defeated UNILORIN Warriors 1-0 in the third place match to clinch the Bronze medal.

Lawrence Echere scored the only goal of the encounter in the second half.

HiFL is an annual football tournament involving higher education institutions across Nigeria. It was founded in 2017 and institutions partake in a preliminary round to qualify for the knockout stage.

UAM Tillers from University of Agriculture Makurdi won the inaugural edition of the championship in 2018.

Thereafter, UNICAL Malabites from University of Calabar, LEADCITY Gladiators from Lead University (e-sports edition) and UNIMAID Deserts Warriors have all gone ahead to win the tournament.