Eniola Olagunju

The 7th SEALS Cup opened in style today, 21st May 2025, at Old SUB football field, University of Ibadan, with an electric first match featuring the department of Arts and Social Science Education (ASSE) and the department of Human Kinetics female teams.

The match kicked off on schedule at 4:30 p.m. and was witnessed by a lively crowd of fans and sports enthusiasts eager to witness the start of this year’s tournament. Only five minutes after kickoff had Human Kinetics drawing first blood when Favour posted the back of the net, with her team in the lead and their supporters going hysterical.

But ASSE would not be denied. In the last few minutes of the first half, Esther equalised with a well-directed goal that gave hope back to her side. The first half of an hour had ended at 4:55 p.m. and the score was 1-1.

The second half started at 5:01 p.m., with Human Kinetics taking the opening kick. Favour did not waste any time once more, scoring again one minute in, assisted this time by Debbie, who was one of the standouts in the game with her precise passes and awareness.

ASSE responded with eagerness, mounting pressure on Human Kinetics’ defense. Their resolve led to one flash point when a player from their side was given a yellow card after a rough attempt at scoring that resulted in a ball landing on the head of a Human Kinetics player.

At the tenth minute of the second half, ASSE’s captain, Ololade made the day with a stunning equaliser, courtesy of a clever pass by Abigail, the team’s star player. The strike drew the game to 2-2, with the stage set for a nail-biting ending.

In the final minutes, Favour nearly bagged a hat-trick for Human Kinetics, courtesy once more of the reliably consistent Debbie, but her attempt went just inches short of the post.

The final whistle went at exactly 5:17 p.m., sealing the match in a 2-2 tie with both teams sharing the spoils in what was an adrenaline-packed and thrilling first game.