Eniola Olagunju

The 7th SEALS Cup Male Category exploded into life today, May 21, 2025, at the Old SUB football ground in a fiery match between title-holders MBBS and a ravenous IPE team — a match that most spectators dubbed “the Final before the Final.” Played under the dying golden light, the atmosphere was electric, the tackles rugged, and the drama merciless.

The match started at 5:40 p.m., and MBBS did not leave any time in asserting themselves. They had already blown two gilt-edged chances and one of them was an incisive effort by Carbon, who continued putting ferocious pressure up front within minutes.

But IPE, not deterred, returned the favor and fought back. At 5:53 p.m., Victor Kolawole (VK) struck an incredible goal which set off a tidal wave of elation in the IPE camp. It was a moment of pure poise and precision.

MBBS almost responded immediately with a good try at 5:54, but it just was not enough. IPE then launched their own quick counter. At 6:00 p.m., MBBS wasted another golden opportunity after an IPE goalkeeper mistake.

Two minutes into the match, the MBBS striker ,Habeeb ,released a scorching shot on target, but it was saved in style. The IPE foul by Kenneth presented MBBS with a hopeful free kick, which was again called off. Kenneth then inserted a stunning corner later, but the finisher was missing.

In the concluding moments of the first half, MBBS once again had that golden chance, but finishing was still absent. Referee blew for half-time at 6:10 p.m., IPE leading by a narrow margin of 1–0.

The second session of the game began at 6:19 p.m., and IPE continued to threaten with a goal shot attempt a minute later. MBBS responded with a corner kick at 6:26, and IPE responded with a free kick a short while later — expertly averted by the MBBS goalkeeper.

Again an MBBS corner kick followed but in vain. A great chance to equalise slipped through MBBS’s hands again at 6:33.

Then, at 6:38 p.m., the turning point came at last. Sir Dave of MBBS shook the net with a booming shot, getting the champions back into the game. He wasn’t done as he nearly scored again seconds afterwards, but the shot slid narrowly wide.

At 6:41 p.m., disaster struck MBBS as a costly defensive mistake let Abraham of IPE into slotting a stunning goal, retaking the lead for his team.

But the champions were not going to lose. Just six minutes on, at 6:47 p.m., Gerald rose to the occasion and netted a breathtaking equaliser for MBBS, sending spectators into rapturous jubilation.

The whistle was sounded at 6:50 p.m., securing a tense and dramatic 2–2 draw. It was a game that was brimming with grit, suspense, and moments to be remembered forever, a proper curtain-raiser to a competition.