KSU Steelers from the Kogi State University have pulled off one of the shockers of the ongoing HiFL 2022 season by beating 2021 semi-finalists, FUTMINNA Transformers 3-2 on aggregate to reach the quarter-final of the tournament.&nbsp;The Steelers lost a two-goal lead in a dramatic draw in Minna a couple of weeks ago to set up a crucial must-win second-leg tie in Ayungba where they would be cheered on by their home fans. Coach Musa Amorley’s side raced to a two-goal lead in the first half with goals from Mashood Usman and Ojochemi Abubakar.&nbsp;FUTMINNA Transformers, one of the Super Four sides from HiFL 2021, showed their mettle in front of their home fans and equalized it with two goals in quick succession. The two sides were wary of each other and fans were expecting to see a great game, leading to a capacity-full stadium at the Kogi State University, Sports complex in Ayungba.&nbsp;The second leg began where the first leg stopped with both teams showing attacking intent early on. FUTMINNA Transformers were desperate to get ahead to cancel out the away goal advantage. Quick passes, timely interceptions, great tackles, and exceptional dribbling were on display much to the joy of the fans.&nbsp;Ojochemi picked up from where he left off in the first leg and scored the opener within ten minutes of the first half. The rest of the Steelers then dug deep and defended with solidity to ensure that the away side could not create clear-cut chances to equalize.&nbsp;The home fans could not contain their joy when the centre referee Lukman Abdullahi blew the final whistle. The Steelers will now play against BUK Stallions in the quarter-finals. The Kano-based side beat the defending champions UNIMAID Desert Warriors on away goals.&nbsp; &nbsp;

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HiFL '22: KSU Steelers beat FUTMINNA Transformers to reach quarter-Finals

UNN Lions progressed to the quarter-finals of the HiFL 2022 season after securing a goalless draw against the UNIPORT Sharks on Wednesday.The Lions led by coach Ike Chijioke defeated the Sharks 4-2 in a thrilling match in Enugu two weeks ago and needed to avoid defeat by two goals to progress to the next stage of the tournament.&nbsp;Ahead of the game, Coach Ike Chijioke of the Lions assured fans that “I have spoken to my boys to avoid overconfidence because if UNIPORT could score two goals away, it means that they can also score at home. But we will also try to score in Port Harcourt to stand a good chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals”.The Enugu-based side was resolute in defence, keeping the ball away from the home side and ensuring that their goalkeeper was barely tested.The results ensure that UNN Lions remains the only team from last year’s Super Four left in this season’s tournament. UNIMAID Desert Warriors, FUTMINNA Transformers, and AAUA Luminaries were knocked in other games.UNN Lions would play the winner of the round-of-16 tie between DELSU Titans of the Delta State University and IAUE Minders from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. The Minders lead 3-2 on aggregate.&nbsp; &nbsp;

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HiFL '22: UNN Lions progress to Q/F after stalemate with UNIPORT Sharks 

UNILORIN Warriors, the winners of the NUGA 22 Football event, beat UAM Tillers at the University of A agriculture, Makrudi by a lone goal in their round of 16 first leg clash at the ongoing HiFL 2022 season.&nbsp;UAM Tillers, who won the first edition of the HiFL in 2018, are now on the brink of exiting the tournament at this stage with the advantage now on the side of Coach Isa Gambari’s UNILORIN WarriorsThe Warriors scored early in the first half through Mustapha Obungbero and held on to their lead despite several attempts by the UAM Tillers, 2019 HiFL champions, to draw level.&nbsp; The away side was resolute in defence and seemed content with a narrow lead heading into the second leg.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, the fans of the UAM Tillers would be disappointed with the results but not the performance of the football stars. Coach Finbar Yamelu’s side created several chances but was thwarted by Hanafi Moshood who was in goal for the away side.&nbsp;The goalkeeper made several breathtaking saves to put the Tillers at bay and earned himself the STANBIC IBTC Man of the Match award.&nbsp;UAM Tillers now have a mountain to climb as they have to defeat the NUGA Champions on their own turf in Ilorin when both sides clash for the second leg of the round-of-16 tie on the 17th of August 2022.&nbsp; &nbsp;

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NUGA Champions UNILORIN Warriors beat UAM Tillers 1-0 in Makurdi 

AAUA Luminaries suffered a shock home defeat at the hands of LASU Blazers when both sides clashed for the first leg tie of their HiFL 2022 round of 16 fixture.The AAUA Luminaries welcomed the Lagos-based side to the Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba on Wednesday, hoping to begin their HiFL season in style. The home side had not played a HiFL game since October when they lost the final of HiFL 2021 to UNIMAID Desert Warriors.Coach Abuo Joseph of the AAUA Luminaries looked relaxed and confident in his<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CghMZQEj0Eo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">&nbsp;pre-match press conference</a>. His counterpart, Omosaiye Bamidele, coach of the LASU Blazers<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CghQceJAuC-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">&nbsp;expressed his side’s ambition to go all the way to the finals</a> when he faced the press before kick-off.The two sides are known for their conservative tactics and it was no surprise that the game started as a cagey affair. The two managers favoured a cautious approach with patient build-up from the back and long balls over the top.It seemed set to be deadlocked at halftime before Yahaya Subair put the LASU Blazers ahead with a sublime finish just before half-time to silence the home fans in a sold-out stadium.The Lagos State University side started the second half in a similar fashion to the first half, desperately hanging on to their one-goal lead as the AAUA Luminaries, cheered by the majority of the fans in their home stadium searched for an equalizer to even the odds ahead of the second-leg in Lagos.However, it was the Blazers, who barely made it out of GROUP C in the group stages of the tournament that had the last laugh. Skilful winger Toyin Odufejo put the final nail in the coffin when he scored a second goal for his side in the dying moments of the game.AAUA Luminaries now have a mountain to climb when they travel to play the LASU Blazers in next month’s second-leg clash at the Lagos State University Sports Complex.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

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HiFL '22 R16: AAUA Luminaries suffer shock home loss to LASU Blazers

UNN Lions of the University of Nigeria scored four goals against the UNIPORT Sharks in the first leg tie of their round of 16 fixture in the ongoing HiFL season.&nbsp;Fans of collegiate football in Nigeria highly anticipated the match as it was the first time UNN Lions would feature in the ongoing HiFL season.&nbsp;Coach Chijioke Ike-led side reached the semi-finals of the HiFL 2021 season, qualifying for this season’s round-of-16 stage as one of last year's super four teams. UNIPORT Sharks, led by Coach Ifeanyi Egwim qualified from Group E in the group stages of this season’s tournament.UNN Lions established their dominance right after kick-off, displaying attacking intent while being cheered on by the home fans. Onyedika Nnafor led the attack line, closed down the UNIPORT Sharks defenders and found the back of the net 6 minutes into the game.&nbsp;The home side doubled their lead before a quarter of an hour through a sublime finish from Somtochukwu Ikprama. The third goal came from Odo Nonso in the 28th minute to take the game further from the away side.&nbsp;However, the UNIPORT Sharks did not back down and pulled one back before halftime through talented forward, Achur Nelson in the 33rd minute. The Port-Harcourt-based outfit reduced the deficit to one goal through Joshua Okai with about 30 minutes left to play.&nbsp;With new belief coursing through the side, UNIPORT Sharks attempted to find the equalizer, risking everything with the knowledge that a draw would be a better result ahead of the return leg in Port-Harcourt two weeks from now.&nbsp;The UNN Lions took advantage of their opposition’s risk-taking and secured victory with another goal in the 90th minute through Ezea Luke.&nbsp;While a two-goal advantage seems like a healthy lead ahead of the second leg, the UNN Lions would be wary of the home support that the UNIPORT Sharks would enjoy when the fixture gets concluded in at the University of Port-Harcourt Sports Complex on the 10th of August 2022.&nbsp; &nbsp;

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HiFL '22 R16: UNN Lions smash UNIPORT Sharks in six-goal thriller 

LASU Blazers from the Lagos State University will hope to cause an upset when they clash with the AAUA Luminaries from the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba in the first leg of their HiFL 2022 Round-of-16 tie.&nbsp;AAUA Luminaries, led by Coach Stephen Yusuf, made HiFL history in the 2021 season of HiFL when they became the first state-owned university to reach the Super Four and the finals of the competition.The Luminaries hope to go one better than their run last season and would begin their HiFL 2022 quest in the round of 16 with a clash against the LASU Blazers from the Lagos State University.LASU Blazers were hosts for GROUP C in the preliminary stages of the competition, barely making it to the knock-out stages of the tournament ahead of UI Pioneers from the University of Ibadan, LCU Gladiators from Lead City University, among others.Coach B. T Omisaye-led side will hope to take maximum advantage of the chance provided to them and make a statement in the tournament. A victory over last year’s finalists would go a long way to inspire confidence as HiFL 2022 nears its business end.AAUA Luminaries played a compact but highly efficient style of football last season, conceding only a few goals on their way to the final. LASU will hope to break down that defensive solidity while maintaining their own discipline at the back if they hope to overcome last year’s runners-up.Fans of the HiFL will be thrilled with both legs of the fixture, with the first leg coming up on Wednesday, 27th of July at the Adekunle Ajasin University Sports Complex in Akungba by 4 PM.&nbsp; &nbsp;

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HiFL 2022 R16: 2021 Finalist, AAUA Luminaries faces tough test against LASU Blazers

Revenge is on the cards when BUK Stallions travel to Maiduguri to play the defending champions, UNIMAID Desert Warriors of the University of Maiduguri for the first leg of the Last 16 tie between both sides on the 27th of July.&nbsp;The two sides clashed in the group and knockout stages of last year’s competition. UNIMAID Desert Warriors secured a 5-3 aggregate win over BUK Stallions in the round of 16 of the 2021 tournament on their way to collegiate glory.&nbsp;The Maiduguri-based side qualified for HiFL 2022’s round of 16 as part of last year’s super four while BUK Stallions, led by Coach Ibrahim Salisu Ibrahim began this season’s competition from the group stages, qualifying from Group A.&nbsp;“Oh, we are not worried that they are defending champions. We are looking forward to changing the mentality, we are not afraid of [The UNIMAID Desert Warriors] Maiduguri,” he said."Correct me if I’m wrong but in the history of the competition, any team that beats BUK goes on to win the HiFL. So we feel that once we beat the Desert Warriors, we would be okay,” Coach Salisu concluded. &nbsp;Students of the University of Maiduguri and fans of the UNIMAID desert warriors may have hoped for a more favourable draw and easier opponents than the BUK Stallions. However, Coach Paul Ciroma of the Desert Warriors disclosed that his side is not worried to face such familiar opponents.&nbsp;In a conversation with HiFL, Coach Ciroma disclosed that his players are eager to reclaim their title and are ready for the knockout stages of the HiFL season. He said, “UNIMAID Desert Warriors are defending Champions, we are preparing and would be ready for BUK Stallions”He said, “BUK are no strangers to us, we played them twice last season [during the group stages and the knockout stages of HiFL 2021] and won both games. We are looking forward to doing the same thing this time around”BUK Stallions qualified for the last 16 through their performance in the group stage of the HiFL 2022 season. The Stallions had an uneasy start to their season, losing to YUSMUK and securing valuable draws against KASU Crocs and ATBU Bauchi, and a walkover victory against the UNIJOS Highlanders.While they may not have finished on top of Group A, the Stallions know a victory over two legs would bring them closer to their dreams of claiming the HiFL title regardless of the opposition they face.A victory over two legs against the defending champions will send a message of intent to the rest of the teams participating in the HiFL 2022 season.&nbsp;UNIMAID Desert Warriors would host the BUK Stallions in Maiduguri for the first leg of their HiFL 2022 Round-of-16 tie on the 27th of July at 4 PM.&nbsp; &nbsp;

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HiFL 2022 R16: BUK Stallions out for revenge against UNIMAID Desert Warriors 

From the stables of the HiFL to representing Nigeria at the Intercontinental level, the fairy tale of Emmanuel Ogbole’s career keeps turning heads.The former UAM Tillers forward has been included in the Flying Eagles’ 40-man squad ahead of next month’s WAFU B U20 Championship taking place in Niamey, in the Niger Republic, years after featuring in the maiden edition of the HiFL.After an impressive outing at the HiFL, Nasarawa United, one of the big teams in the Nigeria Profession Football League (NPFL), set their sight on him and soon signed him up. He joined the Lafia-based outfit’s feeders’ team and made his senior debut not long after. He is currently signed to FC Basira in Lafia.One of HiFL's aim is to create awareness for collegiate sports in Nigeria, thereby sourcing talents to help with the development and training of these youngsters as they hope to start their footballing careers.Emmanuel Ogbole has shown that talent and hard work can help us achieve our dreams. We couldn't be happier that some of our aims are being achieved. We hope to continue the good work we have started and source greater talents across universities in Nigeria.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Thank you all and thanks for HiFL for the exposure. When I got to the pitch, I felt so relaxed cause HiFL made it so. Thanks once again. Love you all” This comment from Emmanuel Ogbole has once again proven that HiFL gives you the wings to soar.We are #MoreThanAGame.HiFL #Madeinfootball&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

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HiFL star makes Flying Eagles of Nigeria squad 

The Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) has detailed how it became the biggest collegiate football league in Nigeria within a few years since its inception in 2018.<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/ecCJWDNYqnM"></oembed></figure>The Football franchise is a brainchild of&nbsp;<a href="https://psemltd.com/author/pace/">PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing</a> in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nuga.com.ng/">NUGA</a>. The competition has actively engaged students, lecturers, and sports enthusiasts in Nigerian University communities since 2018.&nbsp;The HiFL has helped students combine sports and academics with the support of University management. The League has featured more than 200 football matches, with sports complexes of more than 50 universities sold-out on match days across Nigeria. Millions of students in Nigerian higher institutions are part of the league system as players, reporters, volunteers, entertainers, fans, and more throughout every HiFL season.&nbsp;The League has enjoyed support from the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), the committee of Vice-chancellors in Nigeria (CVC) and private organizations such as StanbicIBTC, Nivea Men, Bold and Minimie.&nbsp;HiFL has disclosed that preparations are ongoing for the 2022 season as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hiflng.com/hifl-2022-60-nigerian-universities-declare-interest">60 universities have declared interest</a> to participate in the collegiate football showdown this year. HiFL may also feature more sporting tournaments apart from the HiFL Men championship this year.&nbsp;Non-Sporting engagements, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxbx98c_bEA">HiFL Volunteer force</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hiflng.com/store/2021">Student Franchise Initiative</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/unifest_ng/">Unifest</a>, and campus Fiestas, will be a part of the 2022 season. These initiatives will provide entertainment for Africans and provide platforms for students to contribute to their immediate environment while showcasing the depth of talent present in the Nigerian collegiate space.&nbsp;Subscribe to the HiFL channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsCpZ8LQXv3kC9WBhf-ob2w">HiFL TV</a>, on YouTube for more video content ranging from match highlights, previews, reviews, analysis, and news of the HiFL.&nbsp;&nbsp;HiFL; Let’s play ball!&nbsp; &nbsp;

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HiFL: The journey so far [VIDEO]

The most exciting football competition in the Nigerian collegiate space, the Higher Institutions Football League (HIFL), is set to feature more than 60 Nigerian University teams in the 2022 edition of the HiFL Men Football championship.&nbsp;HiFL, an asset of <a href="https://psemltd.com/">PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing</a> in partnership with <a href="https://www.nuga.com.ng/">NUGA</a>, is an annual football competition between higher institutions in Nigeria. The league has enhanced the sports culture of the Nigerian collegiate space by presenting a platform for the best young footballing talent in the country to display and improve their skills since its inception in 2018.&nbsp;Universities evenly distributed between the Coastal and Sahel regions of Nigeria have declared their intentions to go through the group stage to secure a slot in the round of 16 that would begin later this year.&nbsp;The group stage games played across all zones will determine the schools to join the super four (<a href="https://www.hiflng.com/team/unnlions">UNN Lions</a>, <a href="https://www.hiflng.com/team/futaminnatransformers">FUTMINNA Transformers</a>, <a href="https://www.hiflng.com/team/AAUA">AAUA Luminaries</a>, and <a href="https://www.hiflng.com/team/unimaid">UNIMAID Desert Warriors</a>) from the 2021 season in the round of 16. Schools will play one another according to their zone at least once to advance to the round of 16.University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Ahmadu Bello University, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), &nbsp;Kogi State University (KSU), Benue State University, The University of Ibadan (UI), the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Lead City University, and the University of Nigeria (UNN) are some of the higher institutions to have submitted their forms of participation for the upcoming season of the HiFL. &nbsp;Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Akwa Ibom University, Summit University, Offa, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, and the Nigerian Army University, Biu are likely to make their HiFL debut in the 2022 season as no higher institution in Nigeria wants to miss out on the chance to establish their football supremacy as the best team in the Nigerian collegiate space.&nbsp;UAM Tillers of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, emerged winners of the first season of the HiFL Men Championship in 2018. UNICAL Malabites from the University of Calabar claimed the 2019 title, and UNIMAID Desert Warriors from the University of Maiduguri emerged <a href="https://www.hiflng.com/hifl-2021-unimaid-desert-warriors-emerge-champions">champions of the 2021 season</a> after beating AAUA Luminaries from the Adekunle Ajasin University in a thrilling final in Lagos.&nbsp;HiFL and NUGA are fully committed to their mandate of creating sporting opportunities for students in Nigerian universities to excel even as they conveniently combine sports and academics with the support of the University management.&nbsp;

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HIFL 2022: 60 Nigerian universities declare interest 

The final of the 2021 edition of the Higher Institutions Football League, HiFL, has been scheduled to take place on October 9, at the Yabatech Sports Complex, Lagos with the two finalists, UNIMAID Desert Warriors, and AAUA Luminaries, slugging it out for the right to the trophy.UNIMAID Desert Warriors of the University of Maiduguri heads into the finals as the highest-scoring team from the Round of 16 with 11 goals with Adekunle Ajasin University's AAUA Luminaries, the first state-owned university to qualify for the Super Four and to play in the final of HiFL since 2018.&nbsp;The Luminaries are the lowest scoring side, having scored three goals from the Round of 16.&nbsp;The four teams in the 2021 Super 4 have scored 24 goals among them from the round of 16 with Suleiman Saleh of the UNIMAID Desert Warriors topping the scorers log with four goals.Speaking ahead of this weekend finale, the managing director of Beiersdorf in Nigeria, Godwin Harrison, described this year’s edition of the collegiate football league as fantastic, saying the dedication and determination of the players to succeed in the round leather game align with the company goal of connecting.“Nivea Men is happy to witness these fantastic displays from our youths riding on the platform of the Higher Institution Football League,” Harrison stated. “The dedication and determination of these players to succeed in their games align with our goal of connecting with Nigerian youths and providing them with platforms to express themselves while they also study. As we look forward to the Super Four games, we congratulate the teams that will play in the finals.”On his part, the chief strategy officer of PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited, Goodness Onyejiaku, commended the sponsors for using the HiFL brand to provide opportunities for Nigerian youths.“Our sponsors including StanbicIBTC, Nivea Men, Bold, and Minimie have demonstrated corporate responsibility by their association with the HiFL brand to connect and provide opportunities for Nigerian youths to develop their talents even while they study. It can only get better as we all look forward to an interesting final,” Onyejiaku said.

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HIFL 2021 SUPER FOUR: UNIMAID Desert Warriors, AAUA Luminaries battle for glory

Over the past decades, sports have proven to be a powerful tool for strengthening social ties and networks. It has proved to be an effective catalyst for promoting ideals crucial for peaceful, locally driven development. But despite all its inherent ability to bring people together, particularly the youths, the tremendous potential of sport development to achieve youth development objectives and foster healthy rivalry and growth has been underutilised, especially in higher institutions.Indeed, intercollegiate sport is not new to Nigeria and Africa as a whole, various intercollegiate sports competition has taken place over the last couple of years from sports associations and the likes such as NUGA Games, WAPOGA, NPGA, NPUGA, etc. However, collegiate sports have shown slow growth in the country in the past decade. Particularly, the lack of consistency in the existent collegiate sports has barred any opportunity for sustainable growth in intercollegiate sports.In an attempt to change the narrative and help develop the collegiate sports space in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing (PSEM) launched the Higher Institution Football League (HiFL) in 2018. HIFL is Nigeria's biggest varsity football league designed annually for higher institutions in Nigeria particularly universities to display campus football talents, stimulate healthy rivalry, and engage them across Nigeria in the unifying spirit of sportsmanship. Going on to its fourth season, HiFL has had a great impact on the movement of collegiate sports in Nigeria and showcasing football talents across the country.Like all sporting competitions, showcasing Nigeria’s vast football talents across the world is one of the objectives of HiFL and it can only be right to say they have gone a long way in achieving their goals and objectives. With great talents playing within and across the world, HiFL has surely achieved one of its goals, “… empowering and showcasing local talents”. HiFL can boast of creating professional pathways for students through sports. Some of HiFL’s talents include Robert Odu, a new signing of the Spanish third-tier division team, Extremadura UD, Odenigbo Ebuka David who is a centre-forward for Kano Pillars, Emmanuel Ogbole, a current player for Nasarawa United, Seyi James Olumofe, Stoneywood Parkvale FC new signing from Keith FC in the Scottish league.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beyond football, HiFL has gone on to create different platforms to engage the non-athlete population across Nigeria some of which include HiFL Volunteer force, Student Franchise Initiative, Unifest, campus Fiestas, etc. The HiFL Volunteer force is an avenue created by HiFL to inspire students and give them an opportunity to be a part of creating and enabling change within their immediate community. The Volunteer Force was created to enable students to contribute their bit to the development of sports opportunities and grassroots football in their universities.The HiFL Student Franchise program is an HiFL initiative that is committed to providing an enabling environment for students on campus to thrive, thereby empowering them through sport, in its quest for youth development. This initiative was born in a bid to create financial independence for students and also curb the alarming rate of unemployment. Students with experience in sales are given an avenue to market and promote the HiFL merchandises which include HiFL ball, HiFL jerseys, HiFL t-shirts, etc. in their schools and immediate community.UniFest is an exciting platform that discovers and showcases talents from higher institutions across Nigeria. The competition offers an opportunity for special talents to perform at HiFL special events which will be broadcasted across Africa. UniFest has given talented students of Nigeria Universities an avenue to showcase their talents where the winner gets a one-year talent management deal, cash prizes, and other exciting gifts.HiFL, the football franchise of Higher Institutions Sports League (HiSL), an asset created and managed by PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited; in conjunction with the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) has been identified and reported by the International University Sports Federation(FISU), in partnership with LaLiga and the Nigerian University Games Association(NUGA).&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

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Social impact of HiFL 

University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) Desert Warriors continued their steady march to the Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) final with a hard-fought 1-0 defeat of Federal University of Minna (FUTMINNA) Transformers in the first leg of their semifinal encounter in Maiduguri.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Coach Dauda Daniel-led Desert Warriors met stiff opposition from the Transformers, led by Coach Usman Bosso, before Stanbic Man-of-the-Match, Bukar David, scored the only goal of the match in the 78th minute.Recall that Coach Dauda Daniel-led Desert Warriors ousted the 2018 champions, UAM Tillers, 3-1 in the last round.In the second semifinal played at the University of Nigeria (UNN) Sports Complex in Nsukka, UNN Lions were held to a 1-1 draw by AAUA Luminaries from the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Luminaries, led by Coach Joseph Abuo, scored the first goal in the 11th minute through Ayomide Akinlosotu, before Chinegwu Obinna equalised for the Lions in the 22nd minute.The Coach Ike Chijioke-led Lions were restricted to long-range shots as the Akungba boys showed their resilience in defence and held to their away goal advantage going into the second leg.&nbsp;In his reaction, Stanbic Man-of-the-Match, Destiny Onukafor of the Lions maintained that his team may be down but not out, promising that the Lions will re-strategise as they seek to get the desired return in the return leg in Akungba.Excited at the level of competition and sportsmanship in the league, Beiersdorf’s Managing Director, Nigeria, Godwin Harrison said, “Nivea Men is thrilled to come on board as HiFL’s Official Men’s Grooming Partner in 2021.”The partnership will enable us to support the nurturing of football talents among Nigerian youth while connecting with our young future consumers through a sport the whole country is passionate about.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, the Brand Manager, Minimie, Monica Jaiswal, said, “this is an opportunity for us at Minimie to appreciate what HiFL is doing by allowing our youths to express themselves. We see it as a great idea that needed to be supported to grow, hence our involvement in HiFL.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The second leg of the semifinals will hold today in Minna, where FUTMinna will attempt to return their 0-1 deficit against UNIMAID Warriors and Akungba, which is the venue for the decisive tie between AAUA Luminaries and UNN Lions. &nbsp;

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UNIMAID beat FUTMINNNA 1-0 AS UNN walk tight rope

Matchweek 1 of the first leg of the HiFL round of 16 lived up to expectations and had its share of twists and turns.&nbsp;An early exit might be on the cards for the defending champions, UNICAL Malabites unless they can overturn a 2-goal deficit in the second leg after losing 4-2 to UNIBEN Royals.&nbsp;UNIBEN Royals took the lead early on in the match with a shot from their number 19, Oghenefarme, in the 5th minute. Odior Daniel doubled their lead in the 17th minute and Jeremiah Odeh added to the champion woes after increasing the Royals tally in the 28th minute. John Bosco helped the visiting team pull one back in the 40th minute and Simon Uloko reduced the deficit to a goal after scoring in the 65th minute as the defending champions looked to mount a comeback but that was not to be as they conceded yet another goal in the 80th minute from Marvelous to seal a victory for the hosts.BUK stallions lost at home to Unimaid Desert Warriors where the number 9 for UNIMAID Desert Warriors, Suleiman Ali Saleh continued his goal-scoring form from the pre-qualifiers stage where he scored three goals, after putting his team ahead in the 25th minute. Muhammed Zakiriya, No 10 for BUK Stallions, levelled the score in the 50th minute but they were unable to build on the momentum as they conceded another goal in the 65th minute scored by the Desert Warriors’ number 11, Uche Francis. The visitors will look to build on this significant away win in the return leg.The games between AAUA Luminaries and OAU Giants as well as Lautech Hunters vs Futminna Transformers ended on a blank note as none of the teams was able to score despite some fascinating end-to-end action. Both teams created some decent openings but ultimately, none was able to find the goal of their opponent.The round of 16 continues with match week 2 taking place on 14/07/2021 with FUTA Tigers set to face UNILAG Marines, and IAUE Minders set to face UNN Lions. ABU Nobles will lock horns with the winners of the maiden edition of HiFL, UAM tillers and KSU Steelers will face Unilorin warriors in what looks to be an exciting run of games.&nbsp;The Higher Institution Football League is an initiative of Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing in partnership with the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA).&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

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HiFL Last 16 Review; Defending champions on the brink of exit 

After an exciting maiden edition of the Masterclass series in 2020, HiFL is back with the second edition of the Masterclass series. HiFL Masterclass 2.0 promises to be bigger and better with 5 ‘Masters’ from different industries across Africa and UK.&nbsp;&nbsp;The #HiFLMasterClass Series is a sequence of online sessions created to grow and empower critical HiFL stakeholders – sports and non-sports enthusiasts by engaging experts on pertinent issues that affect them. The “Classes with the Masters 2.0” as it has been tagged is a novel initiative by Higher Institution Football League (HiFL) to drive value-delivery to every segment of the collegiate value chain including Sponsors/Partners, Sports Administrators/Managers, Athletes, and Fans while creating a viable platform for continued and long-term direct engagement between HiFL and fans.For participants and stakeholders involved, the webinar promises to give an overall perspective of the industry and their well-being as well as interaction with some of the brightest minds from all levels of the sporting ecosystem to ensure premium edutainment and deliver the best value per time.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hiflng.com/all-is-set-for-the-maiden-hifl-masterclass-series">sessions</a> will run from May 20, until May 29 with sessions holding by 4:00PM WAT.The HiFL Masterclass Series is brought to you by Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing in conjunction with Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) and Sports and SuperSport.It should be noted that the HiFL Masterclass Series is sponsored by Stanbic IBTC, NiveaMen, Minimie and Hiversa.<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QUBU6OzSTnaMeExTBfC7gQ">Click Here</a> to be a part of Classes with the Masters 2.0. &nbsp;

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HIFL MASTERCLASS SERIES 2.0: “Enjoy the game, chase your dreams”

PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited (PSEM) and the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) have released the final list of the 16 teams that will jostle for honours in the next stage of the 2021 HiFL league season.The last set of qualifying matches for this stage took place over the weekend across five zones involving 25 teams that made it to the group stage of the qualifiers.Speaking in this regard, the President of NUGA, Prof. Stephen Hamafyelto expressed optimism that lovers of collegiate football in Nigeria are set to witness the best of games.“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,” Hamafyelto said.The teams in the Round of 16 include; UNICAL Malabites from the University of Calabar, UAM Tillers of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, UNILORIN Warriors representing the University of Ilorin and OAU Giants from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.Others include KSU Steelers from Kogi State University, Anyigba, UNIMAID Desert Warriors from the University of Maiduguri, FUTMINNA Transformers Federal University of Technology, Minna, ABU Nobles representing the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and LAUTECH Hunters from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho.The teams completing the list are; FUTA Tigers from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, UNIBEN Royals from the University of Benin, AAUA Luminaries of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, the UNN Lions representing the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, IAUE Minders from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, UNILAG Marines of the University of Lagos and BUK Stallions representing Bayero University, Kano.PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited in 2018 incorporated the Higher Institution Football League (HiFL). UAM Tillers won the maiden edition while UNICAL Malabites won the 2019 season.&nbsp; &nbsp;

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HIFL 2021: PACE Sports, NUGA release list of teams in Round of 16

The race to know the best from the best begins as the biggest collegiate sports in Nigeria kick starts. The pre-league qualifying stage will herald the HiFL 2021 season and will hold between April 19, 2021, and April 24, 2021, with 25 schools across five zones in Nigeria. Each zone will have five schools each except Zone B and C with four and six schools respectively.<img src="https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/Hi_BL_b264ef5a8c.jfif" alt="HiBL.jfif" srcset="https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbnail_Hi_BL_b264ef5a8c.jfif 234w,https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/small_Hi_BL_b264ef5a8c.jfif 500w,https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/medium_Hi_BL_b264ef5a8c.jfif 750w," sizes="100vw">HiFL 2021 Pre-League Qualifiers<figure class="table" style="float:left;"><table><tbody><tr><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border:0.75pt solid #dddddd;padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 5pt;vertical-align:top;">Zone A1. BUK2. KOGI STATE UNIVERSITY, KSU3. ATBU4. UNIMAID5. KUST, Wudil</td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border:0.75pt solid #dddddd;padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 5pt;vertical-align:top;">Zone B&nbsp;1. FUTMINNA2. ABU, Zaria3. FEDERAL UNIV, LOKOJA4. BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border:0.75pt solid #dddddd;padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 5pt;vertical-align:top;">Zone CPot 11. LASU2. LAUTECH3. UNILAGPot 24. FUTA5. OOU6. ABUAD&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border:0.75pt solid #dddddd;padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 5pt;vertical-align:top;">Zone D1. UNIBEN2. FUPRE3. NDU4. FUOYE5. ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIV, AKUNGBA(AAUA)</td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border:0.75pt solid #dddddd;padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 5pt;vertical-align:top;">Zone E1. UNIUYO2. IAUE3. UNN4. FUNAI5. UNIZIK&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border:0.75pt solid #dddddd;padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 5pt;vertical-align:top;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> &nbsp;<img src="https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/SUB_fb1fa8fba2.jfif" alt="SUB.jfif" srcset="https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbnail_SUB_fb1fa8fba2.jfif 234w,https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/small_SUB_fb1fa8fba2.jfif 500w,https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/medium_SUB_fb1fa8fba2.jfif 750w," sizes="100vw">A total of 46 games will be played across all zones to determine the schools to join the super four (UAM Tillers, UNICAL Malabites, OAU Giants, Unilorin Warriors) of the 2019 season in the round of 16. Schools will play one another according to their zone at least once to advance to the round of 16. The two top schools in each zone will join the super four in the next round. Two wildcards will be selected after the qualifiers to make it a total of 16 schools in the round of 16.&nbsp;<img src="https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/Awi_004e6cd2a8.jfif" alt="Awi.jfif" srcset="https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbnail_Awi_004e6cd2a8.jfif 234w,https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/small_Awi_004e6cd2a8.jfif 500w,https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/medium_Awi_004e6cd2a8.jfif 750w," sizes="100vw">This season promises to be exciting and highly competitive, so ensure you find the nearest zone to you and go support your favourite school while adhering to the covid19 protocols laid out by field officials. &nbsp;

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HiFL 2021: All you need to know about the pre-league qualifiers

The #HiFLMasterClass Series is a sequence of online sessions created to grow and empower critical HiFL stakeholders – sports and non-sports enthusiasts by engaging experts on pertinent issues that affect them. Each session aims to drive value-delivery to every segment of the collegiate value chain including Sponsors/Partners, Sports Administrators/Managers, Athletes, and Fans while creating a viable platform for continued and long-term direct engagement between HiFL and fans.The HiFL 2021 Master Class Series featured 5 Masters, 5 Classes and 1 Anchor, Akpem Michael Ngutor.Session 1Date: 20th May 2021Topic: Sports As A Tool For Social Change And Youth EmpowermentFacilitator: Felix Awogu, Executive Head, Multi-choice NigeriaSession starts: 4pmSession ends: 5pmSession Overview: The first session held on Thursday, 20th May 2021 with the Executive Head, Multi-Choice Nigeria and author of Fingers through a goal post - Felix Awogu, taking us through an exciting session titled, “Sport As A Tool For Social Change &amp; Youth Empowerment”. Through his many years as a sport-journalists, Felix Awogu gave us deep insights into how sports can serve as a tool for social change and youth empowerment.He spoke on the different appeals sports has which is not limited to only playing the games. When asked his advice for young people who wish to go into the sport industry he said, “… You must know where you fit in; the sport industry is wide, you just need to explore enough to find your perfect fit…” He also strongly reiterated that the Nigeria educational system needs to be restructured from ‘reading only’ to been ‘application based’. He sees engaging in sports as a win-win situation for everyone, “It is a win-win situation when people are engaged with sports and education”To know more about this session of the MasterClass Series 2.0, follow this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmzqkCet-Pk">link</a>Session 2Date: 21st May 2021Topic: Straight From The Mind: The Importance of Mental Health In SportsFacilitator: Dr. Babatunde Akinbinu, Health &amp; Safety Consultant, HiFLSession starts: 4:01pmSession Ends: 5:07pmSession Overview:Dr. Babatunde Akinbinu, a health and safety consultant, engaged the youths and participants on the need to take mental health seriously, emphasizing it is imperative to Sports at the Collegiate level and beyond. You can access materials on the entire session via this <a href="https://www.hiflng.com/masterclass/images/speakers/MasterClass_Presentation_Tunde_Akinbinu.pdf">link</a>Session 3Date: 25th May 2021Topic: Big Data In Football: Combining Data Sources For The Bigger PictureFacilitator: Rogito Nyangeri, Director, ITB Strategies, KenyaSession starts: 4:02pm &nbsp;Session Ends: 4:57pmSession Overview: Rogito Nyangeri gave us a huge insight into how data can be collated, analysed and how it can be used to effect positive changes in sports. According to him, “…Data in itself is not of value except you do some analytics to it. Decisions are made based on the analytics of data that has been gathered”You can follow this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUNjLf3bWQI">link</a> to watch the full version of the masterclass.Session 4Date: 27th May 2021Topic: More Than an Athlete: Lending Your Voice For Change In Your CommunityFacilitator: Chidiebere Ezeani, Media &amp; Marketing Officer, NUGASession Starts: 4:02pmSession Ends: 5pmSession Overview: Chidiebere Ezeani took us through an explosive session of how athletes can lend their voices to issues in their community and society to effect positive changes. “…As an athlete, you have a voice and the voice of an athlete is acknowledged and respected so you should look for ways that your voice can be used to effect positive changes locally and globally”. She also gave instances where athletes have lent their voices to good causes to effect positive change.Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSF8O1OQcNQ">here</a> to know more about what she said on “More than an athlete: Lending your voice for change in your community”.Session 5Date: 29th May 2021Topic: Nutrition For Performance In SportFacilitator: Dr. Omar Tayari, Sports &amp; Exercise Medicine Doctor, UK. Europe Head – ITBSession Starts: 4:02pmSession Ends: 5:15pmSession Overview: The Masterclass Series 2.0 finale held on 29th May 2021, with Dr Omar Tayari, Sports and Exercise Doctor based in the UK speaking on the topic “Nutrition for performance in sport”. Dr Omar spoke on different classes of food and the correct energy supply the body needs to function properly. “… Food is required at the right quantity as a fuel for performance”. &nbsp;He also spoke on the average nutritional requirements for players depending on their Age, Gender, Maturity, Fitness, Climate, Exercise Intensity, Injury status, phase of training and competition.Click<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNtgXdPeS90"> here</a> to get more about Dr. Omar Tayari’s nuggets on Nutrition For Performance In Sport.&nbsp;

#HiFLMASTERCLASSES SERIES 2.0

Following the resumption of sporting activities in the country, all is now set for the commencement of the 2021 season of the Higher Institution Football League (HiFL). The league is set to commence in April with qualifying rounds involving over forty top University teams alongside a host of other exciting activities organisers announced Thursday, 4th March at the International Press Conference held in Lagos.<img src="https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/Ghak_36b18858ee.jpg" alt="Ghak.jpg" srcset="https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbnail_Ghak_36b18858ee.jpg 245w,https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/small_Ghak_36b18858ee.jpg 500w,https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/medium_Ghak_36b18858ee.jpg 750w,https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/large_Ghak_36b18858ee.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw">Speaking at the event to herald the league, the Director, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing Ltd, Mr Sola Fijabi intimated that preparations are in top gear to ensure that lovers of football in the country enjoy the best of collegiate football this season.“The 2021 football games will commence in April with the qualifying rounds. We have had a series of consultations with our partners, the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), sponsors and other relevant stakeholders across the board and we are glad to have come to a consensus that we can go ahead with the 2021 football season. We have also studied international football games and how they have been able to pull off the games despite the restrictions occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic. With this, we were optimistic that we have a strategy that will lead to a successful season” Fijabi said.Other activities for the action-packed and exciting season will include the HiFL E-games, Masterclass series 2.0 and a&nbsp;host of other digital engagement touchpoints.“Beyond the physical games, we have other activities that will keep our fans engaged as we create value. Feedbacks on the Masterclass Series with Stanbic IBTC for the 2020 season showed that we were able to build the capacity of a lot of young people that joined the webinars. The HiFL E-games, a virtual collegiate football tournament, was another innovation that ensured that our fans did not miss out on the lack of physical games for the 2020 season due to the lockdowns. We hope to sustain the momentum even as we resume play on the field” Fijabi explained.In his remark, the President of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Prof. Stephen Hamafyelto commended the organisers as he declared the readiness of the schools to host the games in line with Covid-19 protocols. “We once again congratulate the organisers on finding new and inventive ways to connect both our students and the larger school community via innovative ideas in 2020 and remain optimistic of a more holistic engagement this year as schools all over resume academic activities”, Hamafyelto said.Speaking at the event, Head,&nbsp;Content &amp; Partnership at PACE Sports, Mr Ikechukwu Nwaguru enthused that HiFL is attracting more partners locally and internationally even as the league hopes to expand its offerings. “We sincerely appreciate our sponsors, Stanbic IBTC for their continuous support. Also, the league recently signed a sponsorship deal with NIVEA Men for the new season and for us that is a signature contract as we take the league to the next level. We are glad to have NIVEA Men join our growing family of partners and sponsors who are committed to developing the Nigerian youths and collegiate sports” Nwaguru narrated.The qualifying rounds formally kick off hostilities in the 2021 season and are expected to be completed between April and May 2021 while draws for the round of 16 will take place in June and run through September. The HiFL Super Four Finals rounds off the season and will hold in September in Lagos.HiFL is organized in partnership with the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) and sponsored by Stanbic IBTC, Nivea Men and Minimie. It would be recalled that physical games could not be held for HiFL due to the lockdown and extensive restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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HIFL 2021: WE #GAMEON... PACE Sports announces the commencement of new season 

Amidst the dark clouds that covered the world most of last year, a silver lining came for HiFL star Robert Odu in the form of signing for Hong Kong Premier League Club, Happy Valley. "A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work” and that is the story of Robert Odu. From nursing childhood dreams of becoming a professional footballer in the city of Lagos to putting pen to paper with a Premier League club based in Hong Kong, Asia, Robert Odu’s journey truly involved a lot of hard work mixed with determination.Barely two years ago, Robert Odu, a law undergraduate from the University of Lagos and captain of his class football team came into the limelight after his unforgettable moments at the 2019 Higher Institution Football League (HiFL) while representing his school's official football club, Unilag Marines. Though short it may have been, Unilag Marine played entertaining football with Robert Odu being the star of the show when he found the back of the net twice, against FUTA Tigers and EKSU Mountaineers. Regrettably, Unilag Marines could not go beyond the group stage of the HiFL 2019 season.After his team's short spell in Higher Institution Football League 2019 season, Robert Odu's professional football career kicked off with Remo Stars taking an interest in him and before long Robert Odu, popularly known as the Jaguar, began to fly the colours of Remo Stars after signing a temporary contract for two seasons with an option to make the contract permanent. He caught the eye of Happy Valley, a Hong Kong Premier League Football Club, after a couple of months at Remo Stars and they sought to sign him. He eventually signed for them in October 2020 at an undisclosed fee. Happy Valley finished in the sixth position in the 2019-2020 Hong Kong top-flight season and they hope the addition of Robert Odu to their team will help them in their aim to win the league.The Jaguar announced his signing with the Hong Kong Premier League club on Twitter.&nbsp; “Glad to announce that I’ve just signed a deal with Happy Valley FA in the Hong Kong Premier League, looking forward to continue working hard and helping my new team achieve our set goals for the season in a new environment. The journey continues”, he tweeted.&nbsp;<img src="https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/HV_0c05e0515c.jpg" alt="HV.jpg" srcset="https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbnail_HV_0c05e0515c.jpg 234w,https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/small_HV_0c05e0515c.jpg 500w,https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/medium_HV_0c05e0515c.jpg 750w,https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/large_HV_0c05e0515c.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw">Robert Odu in action for Happy Valley&nbsp;His journey has only just begun and we wish him all the best going forward.Another star of HiFL to watch out for is Ebuka David Odenigbe. After his heroic display at the maiden edition of HiFL, in which he won the HiFL Elite player of the year award and was the most prolific goal scorer with eight goals from seven games, former UAM Tillers player, Chukwuebuka David Odenigbe caught the eye of two former NPFL champions Eyinmba FC and Kano Pillars. He ended up signing for the latter in 2018 and since then has had a tremendous run in NPFL. Ebuka instantly set the ball rolling with his energy and Pace in the NPFL by scoring 3 goals in 13 NPFL games and 2 goals in 6 NPFL classification playoffs. He has since gone on to score many more goals for them. Ebuka David is one of the stars to look forward to in the 2021 NPFL season, we hope he has a great season.<img src="https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/Ebuka_f9767261bc.jpg" alt="Ebuka.jpg" srcset="https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbnail_Ebuka_f9767261bc.jpg 245w,https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/small_Ebuka_f9767261bc.jpg 500w," sizes="100vw">Ebuka David in action for Kano Pillars&nbsp;Some other HiFL stars who have signed professional contracts include Osas Imade, Emmanuel Ogbole, Ani Imade. One of HiFL's aims is to create awareness for collegiate sports in Nigeria thereby sourcing talents to help with the development of these youngsters as they hope to start their footballing careers and we couldn't be happier that some of our aims are being achieved. We hope to continue the good work we have started and source greater talents across universities in Nigeria.&nbsp; &nbsp;

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BEYOND HiFL – Stars sign professional contracts on the back of impressive outings 

The organisers of Higher Institution Football League (HiFL), PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing Ltd (PSEM) are proud to announce that the world’s largest skincare manufacturer, Beiersdorf has joined the league of sponsors of Nigeria’s largest private collegiate football competition. With the sponsorship deal, Beiersdorf Nigeria is set to sponsor HiFL with one of its foremost brands, NIVEA Men for the 2021 season as the Official Men’s Grooming Partner.The latest collaboration further allows PACE and Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) to remain committed to partnerships that will ensure the sustainability of the HiFL games as one of the most veritable platforms for grassroots football development in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.Director, PACE Sports, Sola Fijabi emphasized the partnership with NIVEA Men signals the commencement of the greater expectations and excitements in the next season as the world opens up after a trying year.&nbsp;“We are glad to have NIVEA Men join our growing family of partners and sponsors alike who are committed to developing the Nigerian youths and further developing the collegiate game in the land as they have seen how HiFL is growing over the past years since inception. NIVEA Men keyed into the opportunity to be part of the HiFL success story by associating their brand with the strides we are taking to improve collegiate sports while contributing to sports development in Nigeria”, Fijabi remarked.Indeed, NIVEA Men promises to come on board to continue to create stories of extraordinary acts of care for all, which unites people and this new development promises to showcase a bigger and even more exciting league with NIVEA Men nurturing and caring for the teams and fans alike.It should be noted that the UNICAL Malabites of the University of Calabar are defending champions after lifting the 2019 edition while UAM Tillers of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi won the inaugural tournament in 2018. The 2020 edition did not hold however due to the Covid-19 restrictions with organisers introducing the HiFL Masterclass Series and E-Games instead while playing safe from home.&nbsp; All hands are on deck however for an exciting 2021 season ahead.

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RE: Nivea Men partners HiFL for 2021 season 

The wait is over! The HiFL 2019 Elite XI, as nominated by the league’s technical committee, was revealed at The HiFL Elite Awards™ ceremony in Lagos on 27 October 2019. The 11 stars that earned a place in the team of the season were announced with loads of glitz and fanfare and it’s no surprise that it is dominated by players from the 2019 winners, UNICAL Malabites and Runners up UAM Tillers.There are four players from the Malabites headlined by finals hero Mojafu Ngaji who scored the equalizer. Ujah Christian, Ikponmwosa Osarumwen and Odey Santus round up the players from the champions.Toradza Terungwa of UAM Tillers has wowed fans and critics alike with his superlative performances in goal for the erstwhile champs and it is no surprise that he starts in goal where he is joined by Elite Player of the season, Asen Shater.Ogungbenro Mustapha, Ajao Sodiq and Oyewumi Oluwadamilare all appear in the team after leading the defiant UNILORIN Warriors to a third-place finish and they are joined by Adeyemi Opeyemi and Toheeb Balogun of the OAU Giants to complete the team.Quick Fact:<ul><li>The HiFL 2019 XI contributed to a whopping 65% of the total goals scored in the tournament</li><li>The Elite XI won well over 7 games in the season.</li></ul>

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The HiFL 2019 Elite XI

Despite the constraints on general gatherings to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria for the first time joined the rest of the world in celebrating her first-ever International Day of University Sport. When PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing (PSEM) came up with the Higher Institution Football League initiative in 2018, one of its aims was to create more awareness of University sports in Nigeria and we are glad to see that the collegiate sports culture is indeed alive and thriving like never before.&nbsp;&nbsp;Organized annually since 2016, the International Day of University Sport (IDUS) is celebrated on September 20 and was officially proclaimed by the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organisation (UNESCO) and proposed by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) as the celebration of collegiate sports’ excellence. The day aims at creating links between universities and their local communities focused on sport, physical activity, and healthy livingIn his release to commemorate this year’s celebration, CEO HiFL, Mr. Sola Fijabi praised the concept of the day and its importance in promoting the growth of Varsity sports the world over. “...Our commitment to growing and developing the collegiate game in Nigeria is unflagging and in collaboration with our partners, we are proud to deliver Nigeria’s first ever-International Day of University Sport celebration. Recognizing the uniqueness of the present clime, we entreat everyone to continue to #PlaySafe as we mark #IDUS2020. As organizers, we pledge to continue to provide a platform for our student-athletes to live their dreams.” Mr Fijabi concluded.In conjunction with league marquee sponsors Stanbic IBTC, we are also pleased to announce this year’s official IDUS campaign aptly tagged #PlaySafe. Due to the limited sports activities during the pandemic, the ironic theme of the campaign sheds light on the need to prioritize safety, yet remain innovative and is structured to engage critical stakeholders involved in the successes of HiFL over the years, including NUGA, Stanbic IBTC, Players, Coaches and Directors of Sports. The campaign will feature original jersey giveaways for up to 100 fans via fan engagement and user-generated content, and inspirational video, and significant media amplification across TV, radio, print, and digital. Selected entries will win Stanbic IBTC branded HIFL varsity jerseys.&nbsp;<img src="https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/Zikaboo_0add24129e.jpg" alt="Zikaboo.jpg" srcset="https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbnail_Zikaboo_0add24129e.jpg 156w,https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/small_Zikaboo_0add24129e.jpg 500w,https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/medium_Zikaboo_0add24129e.jpg 750w,https://hifl-files.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/large_Zikaboo_0add24129e.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw">To be a part of it, all you have to do is to "Share your HiFL experience with us on video in not more than 45 seconds on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag #PlaySafe. Tag @HiFLNigeria and @StanbicIBTC, and open a Stanbic IBTC wallet via *909# and DM wallet account number to @HiFLNigeria or have a minimum balance of 1,000 NGN for existing customers to stand a chance of winning.As we celebrate Nigeria's first-ever International Day of University Sports, we encourage everyone to continue to #PlaySafe as the safety of all of us depends on all of us. &nbsp;

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HiFL celebrates Nigeria’s first ever International Day of University Sport (IDUS) with massive jersey giveaway

Indeed, the past 6 weeks and 10 Masterclasses have been an unforgettable experience for fans and stakeholders alike. It has been our pleasure to make history with you alongside thousands of other passionate and engaging collegiate sports &amp; youth development enthusiasts in the sessions of the Classes with the Masters 1.0. It is our hope and belief that these experiences and knowledge garnered across various sectors from varsities to media to sports and finance and business led by our sponsors, Stanbic IBTC will help power a new generation of sports industry leaders and decision-makers as we look to grow the game in our dear country.The sessions hosted the brightest minds from all levels of the sporting ecosystem to ensure premium edutainment with notable speakers including; Obinna Lewis-Asonye, Zonal Head, Micro Pension &amp; Agency/StanbicIBTC Prof. S.S. Hamafyelto, NUGA President, Mutiu Adepoju, Ex-Nigerian Professional and LaLiga Ambassador, Guillermo Perez Castello, MD LaLiga Nigeria, Mozez Praiz, Popular SuperSport Presenter, Jean Willers, MD Nielsen Sports, South Africa, Tega Onojaife, Founder Ladies in Sport International, Toyin Ibitoye, Media Officer, Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Abdul Oganla, Founder, Africa-USA College Soccer Recruitment Tour and Elizabeth Okogun, founder, Zinovation Sports.The series ran from June 23 and ended on August 5 with sessions holding weekly. Below is a summary of how it all went down:Session 1Topic: How Professional Football WorksDate: 23rd June 2020Time: 4:02pm – 5:10pmEx international, Mutiu Adepoju elaborated on the evolution of professional football from the 80s to now. He advised upcoming footballers to get lawyers to look into their contracts before signing any contract with any club so that they don't get cheated or exploited. He further urged them to nurture their passion alongside discipline and determination as it was important to their development through each training session and game.In case you missed the session, you can&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/7JV-cLyuqDI3G9DAtQSDBKB6W9XsfKOs1SJL8qUKzh3kVHIEYVXzYecUMWQxK8Z6_zxnjkK_MnAHSpw?continueMode=true&amp;_x_zm_rtaid=OyzPuqNYQquBuBr1IAhyjg.1593185654426.f5196647517093995272228c95710b05&amp;_x_zm_rhtaid=466">follow this link</a> to enjoy and learn or would like a rewatch.Session 2Topic: Growing Your Sports Entity as a Viable InstitutionDate: 25th June 2020Time: 4:01pm – 5: 07pmMD La Liga Nigeria, Guillermo Perez referenced key lessons from “The transformation of LaLiga and its international project as a key growth lever” in his presentation as he opined on how to scale a global sports entity. Among other points, he identified securing key partnerships as a veritable means and highlighted how that the partnership between HiFL and LaLiga was, in fact, one of the strategies of LaLiga’s international expansion in the sub-Saharan African market.You can watch the entirety of the session&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/uJAvdbz6qm03HdTH4gSDBf4vW464fa-s1XVN8vsNnhvnVnULMVGlYboVN-LbUHuWeSjywvjv22AJaLI_?continueMode=true&amp;_x_zm_rtaid=OyzPuqNYQquBuBr1IAhyjg.1593185654426.f5196647517093995272228c95710b05&amp;_x_zm_rhtaid=466">here.</a>Session 3Topic:&nbsp;Making a Career in Talking SportsDate:&nbsp;1st July 2020Time: 4:02 – 5:07pmAce presenter, Mozez Praiz used his personal experiences as he advised up-and-coming sports analysts and presenters to among other hacks get a mentor, always prepare enough to be knowledgeable in discussions and dress appropriately in their quest to make a career in talking sports. "Passion is great but you need the knowledge to back up your passion”, he summarized.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/7pIpdb-rqjk3S4XD4gSDC_BxW468Kamsh3QY-aEKxR7gVHZSZ1r3MLQbNut65qMjVuB1-EdG9ao0AaQr?continueMode=true&amp;_x_zm_rtaid=Crensh8aSoC0vJbQjA_qFQ.1597756414766.861f9b7f51c81793e86b781df8edc89a&amp;_x_zm_rhtaid=470">here</a> to get more about Mozez Praiz’s nuggets on how to make a career in talking sports.Session 4Topic: Sponsorship in sports: Insights and AnalyticsDate: 3rd July 2020Time: 4:02pm – 5:10pmMD Nielsen Sports, South Africa Jean Willers elaborated on the roadblocks to securing sponsorships citing the disparity in sponsorships amongst South African PSL teams. He opined that any sports entity looking to bag a sponsorship must first grow their brands to the level where potential sponsors begin to develop an interest to invest in it.To know more about Jean Willers' session, follow this&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/vccvIu2uqD43HN2RuQSDAv8oW42-LP2s0SBM8qIIyEi1ByUCNVWmZ-MWNuvYRvc92plOrNn2wDgSPMes?continueMode=true&amp;_x_zm_rtaid=Crensh8aSoC0vJbQjA_qFQ.1597756414766.861f9b7f51c81793e86b781df8edc89a&amp;_x_zm_rhtaid=470">link.</a>Session 5Topic: The Future of Varsity Sports in NigeriaDate: 8th July 2020Time: 4:02pm – 5:15pmProf. S.S. Hamafyelto, President of NUGA, gave an overview of the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA), how it began, and the abundant potential in the space as he reflected on how Public-Private Partnerships is the way to good using the success of HiFL as a benchmark.You can listen to the full session&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/u8AsIuz9-G83E9XH5gSDAaUrW9TpfP-shyVL-fMKnh63UyUGM1H0MONEYLA8jSzVWh5FGkvSK6WNlvDu?continueMode=true&amp;_x_zm_rtaid=Crensh8aSoC0vJbQjA_qFQ.1597756414766.861f9b7f51c81793e86b781df8edc89a&amp;_x_zm_rhtaid=470">here</a>.Session 6Topic: Safeguarding Your Financial Future in Uncertain TimesDate: 15th July 2020Time: 4:02pm – 5:20 pmZonal Head, Micro Pension &amp; Agency, Stanbic IBTC, Obinna Lewis Asonye shared timely nuggets in his presentation on Safeguarding finances in this new normal. He advised the need for increased income streams and diversified portfolios as must-dos as we look to thrive.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/vccvIu2uqD43HN2RuQSDAv8oW42-LP2s0SBM8qIIyEi1ByUCNVWmZ-MWNuvYRvc92plOrNn2wDgSPMes?continueMode=true&amp;_x_zm_rtaid=Crensh8aSoC0vJbQjA_qFQ.1597756414766.861f9b7f51c81793e86b781df8edc89a&amp;_x_zm_rhtaid=470">here</a> to watch the entirety of the sessionSession 7Topic: How Women Thrive in FootballDate: 22nd July 2020Time: 4pm – 5:07pmOn how “Women thrive in football”, Founder, Ladies in Sports, Tega Onojaife spoke on how women are sometimes underappreciated in football even in situations where they perform better than the male teams, people don’t give them enough recognition and applause for breaking barriers. “You cannot reap where you do not sow”, she opined when questioned about the disparity in numbers between the men's and women’s games. Tega concluded by citing the groundbreaking achievements of the last FIFA Women’s World Cup as a reference to how the women's game can grow if properly nurtured.Follow this&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/6ZQlI-2gqW43SdaWtgSDA_cvW43uKaqsgCUd_PIJyB21ACELNQKgZbVHa-ojINL89FWWeRiLt2-fp2sT?continueMode=true&amp;_x_zm_rtaid=Crensh8aSoC0vJbQjA_qFQ.1597756414766.861f9b7f51c81793e86b781df8edc89a&amp;_x_zm_rhtaid=470">link</a> to learn more about what she said.&nbsp;Session 8Topic: Navigating Media Relations in SportsDate: 29th July 2020Time: 4:02pm – 5:19pmCelebrated sports broadcaster and media officer of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Toyin Ibitoye emphasized why clubs, players, and all stakeholders in the sports community need a qualified media relations expert to coordinate and manage their media relations.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/ucItdLj9pjo3HICXtQSDB6AsW421KamshygX-vZYmBqyAnlXNQGiNeMRYLVIAZb_U8b03yV8U7e50ts?continueMode=true&amp;_x_zm_rtaid=Crensh8aSoC0vJbQjA_qFQ.1597756414766.861f9b7f51c81793e86b781df8edc89a&amp;_x_zm_rhtaid=470">this link</a> to know how to navigate media relations in sports.Session 9Topic: Policies in Sports: The Way ForwardDate: 3rd August 2020Time: 4;02pm – 5: 23pmFounder, Zinovation Sports, Elizabeth Okogun elaborated on the importance of policies in sports and how they help to ensure the industry maintains a standard. “The success of sports policies will determine the involvement of future stakeholders and investors”, she concluded.You can follow&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/upd7cuuqqD83SYacuASDBfRxW427K6qs2nUd_qEKmk-zUXkHM1enbrYXYQZPJ2W7LNCbfI-5cD7jmys?continueMode=true&amp;_x_zm_rtaid=Crensh8aSoC0vJbQjA_qFQ.1597756414766.861f9b7f51c81793e86b781df8edc89a&amp;_x_zm_rhtaid=470">this link</a> to listen to the full presentation.Session 10Topic: Global Opportunities for Student-AthletesDate: 5th August, 2020Time: 4:02pm – 5:20pmIn his powerful discussion, Abdul Oganla, Founder, Africa-USA College Soccer Recruitment Tour highlighted the various opportunities available to collegiate athletes as they look to advance their craft. He emphasized the importance of maintaining good grades in your education as an athlete as not all college stars eventually make the jump to pros. “The goal is not just to be successful in sports but also to use sports as a means to be successful in life”, he opined.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/vsIoJb-trzg3HdaStQSDCvMoW469J66s13BKrPMJxRy2UHcBNVOmMLEbY4cIb68kjfCifKoIPGzkzS8?continueMode=true&amp;_x_zm_rtaid=Crensh8aSoC0vJbQjA_qFQ.1597756414766.861f9b7f51c81793e86b781df8edc89a&amp;_x_zm_rhtaid=470">this link</a> to know more about global opportunities for student-athletes.&nbsp;Truly, it was an exciting and exhilarating ride in the masterclasses and we once again thank you for making history with us. We cannot wait to have everyone together again soon during games. Until next time, enjoy the game and keep chasing your dreams.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay Safe! &nbsp;

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First of its kind #HiFLMASTERCLASS series ends in style

The first week of the anticipated #HiFL Masterclass Series has come and gone and we hope everyone had one or two things to learn from the speakers this week. The HiFL Masterclass Series is critical for collegiate sport and sport across Africa because, for the first time in a long while, one of the biggest football leagues in the world is committed to developing and growing Nigeria and African football leagues.&nbsp;The first session was held on Tuesday, 23 June with ex-Nigerian international and LaLiga Ambassador, Mutiu Adepoju entertaining attendees with inside tales from his experiences playing professionally. Mutiu Adepoju provided insights into the inner workings of professional football works based on his personal experience. He talked about how the professional football league has evolved since the 80s, he advised upcoming footballers to get lawyers to look into their contracts before signing any contract with any club so that they don’t get cheated or exploited. He told the upcoming footballers to have the passion and discipline and determination to commit to their training and the games. “If you want to play professional football, it has to come from the mind, the passion must be there… you must also have the discipline that this is what you want to do and you must stick to it…”.You can&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/7JV-cLyuqDI3G9DAtQSDBKB6W9XsfKOs1SJL8qUKzh3kVHIEYVXzYecUMWQxK8Z6_zxnjkK_MnAHSpw?continueMode=true&amp;_x_zm_rtaid=OyzPuqNYQquBuBr1IAhyjg.1593185654426.f5196647517093995272228c95710b05&amp;_x_zm_rhtaid=466">follow this link</a> to watch Mr. Adepoju’s session in case you missed it or would like a rewatch.Week 1 session concluded with LaLiga Nigeria delegate, Guillermo Perez Castello as the moderator and he expanded on how to grow a global sports entity with the exponential growth of LaLiga as a case in point. Among the points, he talked about was the partnership between HiFL and LaLiga which was one of the strategies of LaLiga’s international expansion. The main focus of his session was “The transformation of LaLiga and its international project as a key growth lever”. He spoke on the “LaLiga global network”, a trademark set to increase LaLiga TV rights internationally, increase the number of LaLiga followers in the world as well as generate business opportunities for LaLiga and its clubs. You can watch the entirety of the session&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/uJAvdbz6qm03HdTH4gSDBf4vW464fa-s1XVN8vsNnhvnVnULMVGlYboVN-LbUHuWeSjywvjv22AJaLI_?continueMode=true&amp;_x_zm_rtaid=OyzPuqNYQquBuBr1IAhyjg.1593185654426.f5196647517093995272228c95710b05&amp;_x_zm_rhtaid=466">here.</a>The next session will hold on the 1st of July with Mozez Praiz, SuperSport Presenter and Host of Africa Sports On, moderating the topic "Making a Career in Talking Sports". To learn more about the HiFL Masterclass series, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hiflng.com/masterclasses">official website.</a>It should be noted that the HiFL masterclass series is sponsored by Stanbic IBTC, LaLiga, Supersport and Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA). &nbsp;

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First week of HiFL Masterclass Series ends on a high with Mutiu Adepoju and others dazzling attendees 

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