By: Omachonu Kelvin

The University of Ibadan Students’ Union Freshers’ Cup started last Wednesday, and it has gathered pace since then. The six male halls were placed in two different groups, with Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall, Mellanby Hall, and Tedder Hall in Group A, while Independence Hall, Sultan Bello Hall, and Kuti Hall were drawn in Group B.

The competition started with a game between Independence Hall and Kuti Hall on Wednesday. The Young Katanga Warriors dominated most of the encounter, but they fell to a late goal from the Kuti lads as it ended 1-0 after full time at the SUB Pitch.

Nonetheless, the Katanga Warriors still had a good chance of qualifying for the knockout round after Kuti and Bello played out a 1-1 draw the next day. On Sunday, Independence Hall squared off against Bello in their second and final game of the group stage. Following what both teams had shown in their opening games, it promised to be an enthralling encounter for both teams, and it lived up to the billing.

The young Katanga Warriors opened the scoring within the first five minutes of the encounter, with Daniel Orekoya converting from close range. The goal put Independence Hall in the drivers’ seat of the tie, but Bello soon grew into the game and started to heap the pressure. However, they failed to create clear-cut chances and hardly troubled Independence Hall’s defense.

Independence Hall on the other hand, looked quite confident when they had the possession and could have scored if they were more decisive in the final third. They had a few half-chances in both halves that they could have put away, but they failed to convert.

As the game dragged on, it seemed like Independence Hall was going to run out with the victory, but a last ditch effort from Bello Hall ended their hopes. The young Sultans won a free-kick in the middle of the pitch, with Waliu Bayegun swinging into the area. But Independence Hall goalkeeper fumbled the ball, causing a melee in front of the goalpost, which resulted in a goal for the Bellites.

It eventually ended 1-1 after full time, and the result effectively knocked out Independence Hall’s freshers out of the UI’SU Freshers Cup. Bello, on the other hand, qualified from the group alongside Kuti, who had finished into the first place with four points.

Controversy Trails Independence Hall’s Loss After Big Referee Goof

Independence Hall’ Freshers were knocked out of the Freshers Cup, but it was not without controversy. In their game with Sultan Bello, both halves were supposed to be 25 minutes.

However, the referee did not keep to the time. While the first half ended in 25 minutes, the second half extended for over about 37 minutes. Normal time in the second half lasted for about 32 minutes. Then, the referee added three minutes for stoppage time, but it lasted to seven minutes.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that the referee did not have a watch with him. Rather, the referee relied on his linesman to check the time for him. Upon discovery, the Independence Hall supporters entered the pitch and confronted the referee, but the tension was swiftly doused by the SU Sports Secretary. On reaching out to a member of the organizing committee, Odunukan Gbemiga, he stated that the reason the second half took longer than expected was because of the frequent breaks in play.

“As a member of the organizing team, we understand the validity of the claims of the participating team and it’s our duty to provide officials that are befitting the occasion,” Gbemiga told IndyPress.

“However, I can only explain that the officials themselves are not machines and are subject to errors. Even on the biggest stages of world football, things happen. As such we had to make a review of what happened during the game.

“Per the official, the controversial added minutes at the end of the game was a result of time wasting deep into the game and field encroachment earlier in the game when both teams scored. The ensuing delay was added on the game’s flow and hence why it tarried.

He also spoke about the confrontation that happened afterwards, stating that plans had already been put in place place to refer any student who disturbs the  game to the University security agency.

“In addition and quite importantly, to the teams that progressed and in subsequent tournaments this session, we’ve been instructed to table any case of officials assaulting or any other fight on the pitch to the security team,” Gbemiga added.

“All sport directors were informed they could make a formal appeal in the case of perceived wrongdoing and we received none from either of the teams after the game.”

Meanwhile, in Group A, ZIK Hall, Tedder Hall, and Mellanby all finished with two points each. They also scored the same number of goals and conceded the same number of goals. However, the organizers employed the FIFA fair play rule to decide which team would advance to the knockout round. As such, Zik and Mellanby qualified because Tedder Hall had more yellow cards.

The semi-finals will be played later this week, with Zik Hall slugging it out with Bello Hall, while Kuti will face Mellanby.