UNILAG marines Journey to the FASU 2024 Finals

By Wuraola Amodu, Precious-gift Oladosu and Claudia Eze

The University of Lagos, Unilag is proud of the achievement of their football team, the UNILAG Marines, as they have brought prestige and honor to the institution with their outstanding performance at the 11^TH Federation of African University Sports, (FASU Games).

The teams journey started off on a rough note with a 1 – 0 defeat in their first match against the University of Development Studies (UDS), Ghana. After which their energy, channeled into training paid off with a 2-1 victory in their second match against the University of Nkrumah, Ghana. Isaac Olamipo, scored the winning goal with just five minutes remaining on the clock  to give the Marines a much needed 2 – 1 win.

Babatunde Oluwo, the coach of the UNILAG Marines, in an interview with UNILAG Sun, noted that the match was special, owing to the presence of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola. “The match against Nkrumah University stood out for us, as we needed a win at all costs, and our Vice Chancellor was on ground to watch the match.” 

They secured a back-to-back win in the competition by overcoming the University of Jos in an entertaining 2 – 0 contest. This scoreline was ensured by brilliant strikes from Adedoyinsola Omotosho and Samuel Oladepo.

The Marines played out a 1 – 1 draw against Julius Nyerere University of Kankan (UJNK) in their fourth match in the competition. The equalizing goal was scored by Olanipekun Isaac. The draw meant that the team  could advance to the semi-finals of the tournament.

The semi-final fixture was widely anticipated, because it was a clash of hosts. Lagos State University, Lasu, played hosts to their sister institution, the University of Lagos, Unilag, at their Sports Complex. Babatunde’s team booked their place in the final with a 4 – 1 win on penalties after a full-time 0 – 0 draw. Michael Valor was outstanding between the sticks, preventing the UNILAG Marine’s from going behind throughout the encounter.

The final match of the tournament, held at the Unilag sports complex, saw the Marines fall to a 3 – 0 defeat against the University of Development Studies, (UDS). Despite not clinching the title, the UNILAG Marines acknowledged the significance their accomplishment in reaching the finals and take pride in in their journey. “It was an incredible journey, and nobody expected us to be in the finals, God be the glory. Coming second in the whole of Africa is not an easy task.” Abdulganiyu Sahmad Akimkunmi, a midfielder for the team told UNILAG Sun.

Coach Oluwo disclosed that maintaining the team required a lot of work and support. “Gathering and Maintaining 18 different players wasn’t easy. It was tough, but the support by the director of Sports, the chief coach, and some other key committee members assigned to the team were instrumental in managing the situation.”

He attributed their achievement to their team work and dedication. “In the past, we had good players, but we did not have a team! But for this (FASU Games), we had a team that were determined to excel together.”

“The university management needs to invest more in sports generally, because it is a very big industry that they can make more money from. It is an avenue for the athletes to be exposed to international standards and to keep in shape.”

UNILAG Marines outstanding journey to the finals of the (FASU 2024) tournament reflects their hard work and determination. This performance was thanks to the support of their coach and other officials as well as the good team spirit demonstrated by the players. Their achievement proves that with the right support and team spirit, greatness and success is inevitable.