University of Calabar (UNICAL Malabites), University of Agriculture, Makurdi (UAM Tillers) and the UNILORIN Warriors are among the teams billed to fight for positions in the round of 16 stages of the ongoing Higher Institutions Football League (HIFL).
Also in the round of 16 are Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU Giants), Kogi State University Steelers, University of Maiduguri Desert Warriors, Federal University of Technology, Minna Transformers, and the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Nobles.
Others are Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho Hunters, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Tigers, University of Benin (UNIBEN) Royals, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Luminaries, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Lions, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt Minders, University of Lagos (UNILAG) Marines and Bayero University, Kano (BUK) Stallions.
According to the organisers of the competition, Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited (PSEM) and the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), the 16 teams emerged after the last set of qualifying matches involving 25 teams.
NUGA President, Prof. Stephen Hamafyelto, expressed optimism that lovers of collegiate football in Nigeria are set to witness the best of games.
He added: “HiFL presents a great opportunity for Nigerian youths to express themselves and excel in sports as a career equal to their academic pursuits. We appreciate the organization put in place by our member institutions because the news across the centres is very encouraging. We appreciate the participating schools for their sportsmanship and encourage everyone to just enjoy the spectacle.”
This season is the third since the competition began in 2018. UAM Tillers won the maiden edition, while UNICAL Malabites won the 2019 season.