The Higher National Diploma (HND) 1 team of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) pipped their National Diploma (ND 1) counterpart 3-2 in the season opener of the monotechnic’s 2023/2024 students’ league.
The game which took centre stage at the school field saw the HND 1 side, nicknamed Champions FC in the ascendancy from the onset, thereby dominating play and enjoying the large share of possession.
On the other hand, the ND 1 team, otherwise known as NIJ All Stars were looking to find their mojo – thus struggled to string passes together.
Some minutes later, the Captain of HND 1, Olubode Williams made it count for his side when he broke the deadlock to score the first goal of the season.
Williams, who was a thorn in the flesh for the opposition doubled the lead, scoring his second goal (a brace) through a spot-kick before half-time whistle.
Consequently, HND 1 were able to see out their two-goal lead as the first half of the encounter finished two nil.
Meanwhile, ND 1 grew into the game in the second half, posing a lot of threats – and it paid off when Victor Akinola fired home a breathtaking free-kick to make the scoreline 2-1.
Tobi, also known as Farian further increased HND 1’s tally by netting the third goal – hence compounded the woes of the rival, but they reduced the deficit as Akinola also recorded his brace, and it ended 3-2 after full-time whistle.
The battle of ‘the new intakes’ witnessed HND 1 (Champions FC) come out victorious in a five-goal thriller.
Commenting on his scintillating performance, Williams disclosed that he feels elated and also lauded his teammates for the victory.
His words: “I feel impressed and I also want to say thank you to my teammates for the support and team work, coupled with the energy. We looked great in both halves especially in the second half. We tried to regain our strength in order to conquer the strength of ND 1.”
Williams also said despite being injured at a point in the game, he had to continue because there was nobody on the bench to replace him – and stressed that they are determined to lift the trophy.
“We had to continue the game because we started together and more importantly, we don’t have substitution and that would be minus 1 for us, so we resorted to teamwork and encouragement.
“We encouraged ourselves and everyone knows the reason we are competing is to win the trophy, so expect more goals and better performance.”
In the same vein, goalscorer for ND 1, Victor Akinola revealed that he was happy to be on the scoresheet, and commended his team’s performance.
“I am glad to have scored two goals. This is our first match together and we were great. We have gained a lot of experience from this and I’m convinced that we will bounce back in subsequent games.”
Akinola also faulted the referee’s calls on some occasions, adding that the Video Assistant Referee’s (VAR) presence wasn’t felt.
He said: “Upon the use of VAR, there were controversial decisions from the referee, like the handball in their box which wasn’t given. The centre referee and VAR are supposed to work together.”
Action will continue in the NIJ Students’ League on Friday as the part-timers (female team) will face HND 1, not forgetting the clash between part-timers (male) and HND 2.
