OAU, ABU in bright start, players hail organisers

COMPETITION'S favourites, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) began their campaigns at the maiden Hotlink/NUGA Hockey Championship on bright note with both sides overcoming University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB) and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) respectively.OAU inspired by its skipper, David Ogbuke had a torrid time breaking the defence of the Abeokuta team. But the prowess of captain Ogbuke paid off in the 43rd minutes during a goalmouth scramble to give the host the lead.All efforts to increase the tally by the OAU side proved difficult as the Dr Osigwe Cyril-led Abeokuta team stood between the goal to maintain the score-line to the disappointed of the home fans.In the same vein, ABU team tutored by Coach Ndana Baba Abdullahi mesmerized their opponent, UNN with two goals to stamp its feet in the group.It was Kichem Gomerep that netted the first goal in the 32nd minutes while Abubakar Musa increased the tally in the 52 minutes to give the Kano team a resounding and comfortable lead in the group chart.However, a spirited effort by the UNN team to reduce the tally failed to come to pass as the ABU side thwarted all their moves.In today's matches, University of Benin (UNIBEN) will tackle UNN, while Ijebu-Ode based Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) who were outstanding at the last NUGA games will confront UNAAB.Meanwhile, coaches and players participating in the championship have commended the organisers, which they described as a sign of good things for NUGA.Players like Femi Ogunniyi of ABU, Orisa Victor of UNN and Ogbuke of OAU could not hide their feelings about the progress made in the game through the championship.The championship is being bankrolled by Hotlink Sports Shop in conjunction with OAU Sports Council as well as supported by Industrial General Insurance (IGI).
Click here to read full news..