By: Lawal Damilare
The highly anticipated Sigma Club final between University of Ibadan’s familiar foes took place today. Both teams, eager to claim the title, began with intense warm-up before kickoff. Tom Tom FC sought revenge against defending champions SFA, and the stage was set for an thrilling 60-minute clash.
Tom Tom looked dominant in the opening minute of the game starting out with the front foot. A big switch of play between Kenneth and Pius looked to open the scoring, however it was SFA who had the lead as Korede took advantage of a free-kick which he missed on first attempt and later scored on close range placing them up for 1-0.
Tom Tom’s resilience later paid off, as Pius from the freekick spot, forced an error from Goalkeeper Mendy to get them back into the game. Tom Tom built on this momentum, as Pius gave the life of the moment with Heskey man seeking to unlock Papi but couldn’t quite get the connection.
The Second half saw a few changes, MJay Came on for Akinpade for Tom Tom, while Afeez replaced Emeka for SFA, causing Pogba to fall deeper in the center half position. The game became more balanced in the second half as it became an end-to-end competition. Sam ilori had a good run into the box but couldn’t connect with Mbappe Pass from the middle. Ibrahim tried to find Mbappe on several occasions but the passes were too heavy for him.
As the pressure persisted, SFA showed quality again, with a brilliant strike from Korede which was too strong for goal keeper Olami to hold, earning them the lead 2-1. Tom Tom tried to level the score line again but Kante couldn’t quite bury his chance as it went just behind the post. Pius came also close, but came off as a weak shot that proved an easy save for Mendy.
The referee’s whistle pierced the air, pointing to the spot for the final blow, sealing SFA’s dominance for the third consecutive year. This victory also marked Tom Tom’s second consecutive defeat in the finals. As the curtains drew to a close on this year’s edition, the pitch was stormed by ecstatic fans and well wishers of both teams.
