HIFL update : Varsity league kicks off as UNILAG holds FUTA

A late header from Odu Robert saved the Marines as both teams shared the spoils  at the University of Lagos Sports Complex.

FUTA Tiger's, midfielder Iteade Ibrahim opened the scoring five minutes before the half-time interval when he capitalized on goalkeeper Oroge Olawale's lapse with a cheeky chip to put FUTA Tigers ahead.

Iteade Ibrahim  with the strike (HiFl Media).

The host wouldn't give up so easily as Odu Robert's stoppage time header cancelled out his opener, to ensure the UNILAG Mariner's left with atleast a point from the opening fixture.

The Marines looked more promising in the opening minutes of the encounter with Kelor Smith and Folarin Moses pulling the strings in the midfield, but the Tigers held their ground with several dogged defensive display.

Tiger's Left-back Babatunde tussle with Mariner attacker for the ball.(HiFl Media). 

The Marines began the second period of the game with hunger and more possession as they pushed for an equaliser.

Unilag coach Ogunsemore in search of an equalizer brought on Bello Jubril and Pele as the Tigers’ coach Ajibua Alayode responded by added fresh legs to support his team’s defence too.

The game was poised to end in favour of the Akure visitors until Odu Robert made himself Unilag’s hero by converting Fatolu Adeola’s free-kick with a thumping header in the 90th minute, sending the home supporters into frenzy and most importantly keeping their hopes of qualifying to the next round from the group alive.

The Tiger's captain Daniel emerged the man of the match in the cagey encounter as all attentions will now be shifted to their next match against EKSU mountaineers.

Daniel with the man of the match award on Tuesday at the Unilag sports complex. (HiFl Media).

FUTA Tigers will hope to bounce back from the late setback against ESKU Mountaineers on Wednesday, while Unilag Marines will wait until Thursday before battling the Mountaineers with the aim of securing qualification into the next round.