By: Ajayi Toyyib Olabamiji
Earlier today, the Abia State Polytechnic after a strenuous battle, withdrew the defending champions title from Federal Polytechnic, Offa with a penalty shoot out in the final match of the 2023 NIPOSSGA Games.
The final of the football tournament was played at the Main Pitch of the host institution, following the closing ceremony at the North Campus Field, The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
Meanwhile, several institutions participated in the different group stages of the NIPOSSGA’23 football tournament, but on a final note, the Abia State Polytechnic was fortunate to have met with OffaPoly and claimed from them, the title of the defending champions they have maintained for two years.
Both teams employed tactical skills and all their energy to secure a goal. None of the teams conceded any goal, as the full time of the match ended in 0-0. However, the subsequent penalty shootout accorded Abia State Polytechnic victory.
While speaking with the Press Council’s correspondence, Coach Alaanu Salam Rahman expressed his disagreement to the result of the final football match. “We’ve collected the gold medal twice before, but I know some institutions ganged up against Offapoly to ensure that we lose this time around” he stated.
Coach Francis, Head coach of the new defending champions, in his words with the Press, asserted that they have actually worked for the victory they got. “My team started the tournament beautifully well. Although, at some point, my players sustained injuries”. He also included that his team members have been so disciplined to abide by the rules given to them by their coaches. “Indeed, it’s a well deserved victory for us”, he said.
Mrs. Olubunmi Olubamiwa, the Deputy Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan who ably represented Prof. Kazeem Adébìyí, the host institution’s Rector declared the competition closed. This was outrightly in the closing remarks she made on behalf of the Rector.
Mrs. Olubunmi in her words with our correspondence today, stated that the competition has brought a deep sense of unity amongst the various contingents. Personalities from institutions that participated have been able to network with each other, shared experiences and became friends. Beyond this, “the competition, which was participated by the staff of institutions and as elderly people, has made them become fit and agile to even participate better in the classroom”, she said.
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