Smart FC proved smarter than others as the third edition of the Exquisite Soccer in the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB, come and gone, with clubs setting new standards while some others were exposed to the harsh realities.
The two biggest of the highlights came off each of the winners of the first two editions as winners in 2022 Hydro FC were dumped out in the group stages while 2023 winner Smart FC successfully defended their crown.
Aside the distinct fate of the two heavyweights, the emergence of new rivalries as well as talent discovery was part the highlights of the oldest club competition in the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB Ogun state, Nigeria.
Below is a story of how the events unfolded between the curtain raiser on the eighth of January and the curtain drawer on the 31st of the same month.
The group draws was conducted on the third of January 2024 and teams’ representatives were present at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB Sports complex, where each team learn their opponents and to which group they belong to.
Results of the group draws
| Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D |
| Smart FC | Expendable FC | Hydro FC | Ball Boys |
| Titans | Comrade FC | Fijspap | Dynamo FC |
| Flamin Knights | Pirate FC | Oracool | Bot FC |
| Empire FC | Rome FC | Legend Slayers | Destiny FC |
Following the completion of the draw, players started returning from their festive period breaks and some were involved in pre-tournament friendlies as they continued to build momentum ahead of kickoff of the first-ever welcome back to campus editon of the tournament.
In years past, Exquisite Soccer Gala was a breakaway competition that comes after the end of semester/ session but due to the nature of the academic calendar in the previous session, it was designed to be a back to school tourney.
It eventually kicked off on the eighth of January at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB Sports center under the watch of the Director, coaches, staff and securities at the Directorate of sports.
Fans also made their way to the venue to show support for their respective clubs, meet new friends from different departments/ colleges and also fostering the existing relationships with their loved ones.
How it went in Group A
Smart FC and Titans dominants even
Round One games
Smart FC 0-0 Titans
Defending champions Smart FC kicked off the tournament with a first-ever meeting with Titans in the competition.
Coach Tosin’s side were the superior team on the day but Titans’ resolute defence was not to be broken as it finished all square.
Flamin Knights 4-1 Empire FC
Fash came off the bench to finish off their opponent as sealed a 4-1 win, which sent them to the Group A summit.
Two first timers in the tournament, Flamin Knights showed class as they walloped Empire FC with a dominant display.Goals from Peter Babs, Federal and Farouk gave them a 3-0 lead before Empire FC pulled one back through Tobi.
Fash came off the bench to finish off their opponent as Flamin Knights (pictured) sealed a 4-1 win, which sent them to the Group A summit.
Round Two games
Smart FC 4-1 Flamin Knights
After being held in their opening game, Smart FC needed a win to get momentum on their side while a win in the fixture for Flamin Knights would have send them into the quarter finals.
Smart FC hit the front foot from the spot as SMZ converted for his first of the tournament, after a defender was penalized for a foul on Gabs in the box.
Gabs doubled his side’s lead from a Pade assist moment late and before the break, Flamin Knights halved the deficit through Ozil.
Defending champions returned with intention after the break and SMZ completed his brace while substitute AJ added one more to complete a 4-1 win for Smart FC.
Titans 4-0 Empire FC
Titans were presented the opportunity to deliver another impressive performance after holding off defending Champions to a draw in their first group game while it was a survival battle for Empire FC.
In the end, Titans (pictired) recorded their biggest win yet, and what would go on to be the biggest of this edition of the tournament, as goals from Frank, Fola, Uthman and Salam secured a 4-0 win.
That result confirmed Empire FC’s group elimination, despite having one more game to go.
Final group round
Smart FC 3-0 Empire FC
Having already been eliminated from the tournament, Empire FC did not honour their fixture against Smart FC and the defending champions were awarded the points, which secured their place in the quarter finals.
Titans 1-0 Flamin Knights
With just one quarter final spot left in the group after the confirmation of Smart FC’s progression, this fixture became a must-win for both sides, albeit a draw would still be enough for Titans.
As fate wanted it, Titans got more than needed as Ola put the ball into his own net under pressure from Frank to seal a 1-0 win at the expense of the Knighs, who exits the tournament as consequence.
Smart FC qualified as group winner while Titans also progressed as runner-up up, with both amassing seven points each in three games.
Group B
Comrade FC relive the good old days to topple Expendables
Round one
Pirate FC 1-0 Rome FC
Temi’s only goal got Pirate FC off to a flying start on their debut game in the competition against another debutant, Rome FC (pictured).
Expendables 0-1 Comrade FC
Last time beaten finalist Expendable FC slipped to a 1-0 defeat to 2022 beaten finalist Comrade FC.
AY Gold scored the only goal late in the first-half. An inspired Gideon between the sticks for Comrade FC was not to be beaten, meaning the one goal was enough for a Comrde win.
Round Two
Expendable FC 3-0 Pirate FC
Looking to bounce back from their opening game defeat, Expendable FC played Pirate FC in their second game with the latter knowing a win will see them progress into the next round.
A sensational free-kick from left-back Ibrahim helped Expendable FC finished the first-half on a high before Saha bagged a double after the break to secure a convincing win for the winner of Egalitarian Championship.
Comrade FC 2-0 Rome FC
Comrade FC took a massive step towards qualification as first-half goals from Ope and Lateef secured a 2-0 win against Rome FC, a result that confirmed the exit of the Romans in the group stage.
Final group round
Expendable FC 2-0 Rome FC
Playing for the culture, Rome FC had nothing to lose against Expendables but could ruin the party of the last time beaten finalist, who needs to better the result of Pirate FC to reach the last eight.
Expendable FC (pictured below) started with great intentions and showed more hunger. Goals from AJ and Zlatan sealed a comfortable 2-0 win in the end.
Comrade FC 1-0 Pirate FC
EmJay scored the only goal as Comrade FC finished the group campaign in flawless fashion, while also showinng their opponent, Pirate FC the way out of the competition.
With three wins from three, Comrade FC finished top of the group, three points ahead of runner-up Expendables.
Pirate FC (pictured) bowed out despite winning their first game and are joined by the gutless Rome FC, who neither scored nor earn a point on their debut appearance.
Group C
Fijspap and Slayers upset the odds as Hydro exits in the Group stage
Round one!
Oracool 0-2 Legend Slayer
This was a much anticipated fixture as the two teams looked balance on the books but events that unfolded on the day is one not too fun for Oracool.
Despite heavily dominating their opponent, they continued to miss one chance after another until Legend Slayers took the lead midway through the second-half through Diaz.Oracool pushed men forward in search for an equalizer but again, they could not convert any of their chances.
OJ added a second for Slayers against the run of play and finally took the game beyond a bemused Oracool, who finished the game with a defeat.
Hydro FC 0-0 Fijspap FCH
ydro FC were huge favourite to win the group but the 2022 winner were held in a fixture they had always dominated as Fijspap FC Goalkeeper Raphael will not be beaten on the day.It finished all square and Fijspap FC coach Pablo was elated at full time.
Round Two!
Hydro FC 2-2 Oracool FC
It was an unexpected result for Hydro FC in their first game and fans expected the Coach Maxwell’s side to win big against Oracool FC.
However, things took a different course as former Hydro FC striker Warri Mustapha fired Oracool in front with a cool finish, after receiving a pass just past the half-way line.
Hydro FC responded almost immediately as Joseph volleyed home a Jay Kay pass to level things up at 1-1.
Warri completed his double midway through the second-half as Hydro failed to clear their lines following a corner kick and Oracool FC (pictured below) had their lead restored at 2-1.
Unfortunately, they would be denied all the points as Abdulmojeed headed home a cross late on to salvage a point for Hydro FC as it ended with parity.
Fijspap FC 2-0 Legend Slayers
Fijspap built on their impressive draw against Hydro as they blew Legend Slayers (pictured below) away in a 2-0 success in their second game.Akerele in one half and Habeeb in the other with the quality goals to deliver a very crucial win for Fijspap.
Final group round
Fijspap 0-1 Oracool
Warri scored the only goal that proved the difference in this fixture as Fijspap fell to their first defeat while Oracool claimed their first win.
A one goal margin win was never going to be enough to progress and Oracool’s fate was already sealed even before the game between Hydro and Legend Slayers.
Fijspap was able to progress on goal difference though and they awaited the result elsewhere to learn if they toppled the group.
Hydro FC 1-1 Legend Slayers
Biggest shock of the competition played out as Hydro FC got eliminated after a one all draw in their final group game against Legend Slayers, who finished runner-up to Fijspap in the group.
A fiercely contested clash it was, given the stakes in a group left no margin for errors. The Slayers took a late lead in the second half through Diaz, who missed the loss to Fijspap due to suspension.
The goal sent the stadium wild as it meant Hydro FC needed two goals in less than 15 minutes to not be eliminated.
Five minutes after going behind, Hydro FC were awarded a controversial penalty, which Jacob dispatched to level it up at 1-1.
.Unfortunately, it was a little too late as no more goal was produced and Fijspap finished top of the group while Legend Slayers came in at second place.
Despite also recording four points like Fijspap and The Slayers, Oracool FC got relegated on goal difference, while Hydro FC (pictured above) finished bottom with three points.
Group D
Dynamo finished second to The balling boys of Ball Boys
Round one
Dynamo FC 3-0 Destiny FC
Exceptional FC returned in the third edition as Dynamo FC (pictured below) and they marked their first outing in style with a convincing win over Destiny FC.
Qudus, Adewale and Azeez with the goals to help Young Alhaji’s new looking side set the tune in Group D.
Ball Boys 1-0 Bot FC
Large scored a sensational goal to open the scoring for Ball Boys very early in their clash with their sister club Bot FC.
They would go on to dominate and create more goalscoring opportunities but would not make any result into a goal as it finished 1-0.
Round two
Ball Boys 2-0 Destiny FC
Ball Boys was expected to win against Destiny FC and they did not disappoint, scoring two goals without reply to take a significant step towards a place in the last eight.
Okiki and Piko were the Goalscorers for Ball Boys as they stayed perfect at that stage of the tournament.
Dynamo FC 0-0 Bot FC
Dynamo FC knew a win would send them into the next round while Bot FC (picturedabove) was not going to let them have it as their own status in the competition is dependent on the result.
A heated 90 minutes come and go with neither of the sides able to break the defence of the other in a scoreless draw.
Final round
Ball Boys 1-0 Dynamo FC
With their quarter finals ticket already secured after the draw between Dynamo and Bot, Ball Boys wished to achieve three goals by beating Dynamo FC in their final group game.One is to maintain their 100 percent start.
Second is to finish top of the group and third is to help their sister club Bot FC stand a chance to reach the quarter finals.In the end, a goal, scored by their center back Okiki was enough to set things in place for the achievement of all three goals, two of which was already achieved at full time.
Bot FC 1-0 Destiny FC
With knowledge of the result in the other group game, Bot FC still had to win by more than three goal difference to finish ahead of Dynamo FC.
The signs were optimistic ahead of kickoff with their already relegated opponent not convincing with their turn up, though they in the end had just about enough men to get the match started.
The game was dominated by Bot FC as expected, but they appeared not to have shown up with their scoring boots. Chances missed, one more after another and again and again.
After several misses in the first quarter of the game, team coach Doyin subbed himself on, but even he became of culprit of missed chances as they continue to misfire.
They eventually got a more than deserved goal through Afeez few minutes after the restart. The midfielder fired a long range belter that came off the upright before ending in the back of the net.
That proved the only goal as Destiny FC Goalkeeper Emmanuel set a new record for most saves in a game in the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB, denying Bot FC on 15 different occasions.
The 1-0 win meant Bot FC finished below second place Dynamo FC on goal difference, while Destiny FC finished bottom.
Quarter finals
| Quarter draw fixtures |
| Smart FC vs. Expendable FC |
| Fijspap FC vs. Dynamo FC |
| Ball Boys vs. Legend Slayers |
| Comrade FC vs. Titans |
Group A and D reigned as B and C exit the Exquisite Soccer Gala
Smart FC edged Expendables in a rematch of the previous final
Smart FC and Expendable FC kicked off the quarter finals in a rematch of the 2023 final, which was won 4-3 on penalties by Smart FC after it finished goalless in open play.
This time, it was as well a cagey affair and at half-time, nothing could separate the two sides but fortunately, no penalty shoot-out was required.
Smart FC coach Tosin introduced former A-Team midfielder Jay Jay for his debut after the break and he was crucial for the lone goal of the game.
The recent graduate from the college of physical sciences’ inviting corner was met by the head of West (pictured above), who scored his first goal for Smart, also coming against his former side to help the defending champions reach the semis.
Dynamo smoke Fijspap to continue their dynamic run
No one knew what to expect from this fixture before kickoff as both had displayed a different level to their games in the group stages. It made the fixture a highly anticipated one in the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB.
However, few minutes into the game, it was as clear as day where the game was headed, because Dynamo FC was all over their opponent, asking all the questions until they got their reward through Qudus.
The striker received the ball from Joshua and scored from close range for his second of the tournament to break the deadlock just before the half-time whistle.
Joshua (pictured above) turned Goalscorer from an Azeez assist to double the lead after the interval. The second goal took the game beyond Fijspap, who fell to consecutive defeat and bowed out of the tournament with a 2-0 loss.
Unconvincing Ball Boys left much to be desired in win over Legend Slayers
Ball Boys had a great group outing but drew lots of criticism for their performances. Fans, rivals and even neutrals thought they will fold in the face of a real competitor.
The critics was almost proven right in their quarter final showdown with Legend Slayers, a fixture many thought they were the clear favourite.
Luckily, they survived a 90 minute that only finished goalless because their opponent had a goal controversial ruled out. It went to penalty shoot-out and Jesse scored the decisive kick to seal a 5-3 win and as well a ticket in the last four.
It was the first shoot-out of this edition of the tournament and spectators at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB, on the evening were treated to nine of them, with eight finding the back of the net.
Titans got one over Comrde FC to reach a first-ever Exquisite Soccer Gala semis
Titans had never win a game against Comrade FC and were bent on making a difference this time, because of their development since the last time the two faced off.
Comrade, who finished top of Group B without conceding a goal was the favourite anyways, mostly because of their win over Expendables in their opening game, which kept fans alerted of their tenacity in the big games.
It finished goalless in open play with Frank missing the best chance of the game just before the end of the game, which would have potential handed Titans the semi final ticket.
It headed straight to penalties and Titans won with their fifth kick taken by their captain Felix after Lukaku had missed Comrade’s first kick of the shoot-out.
Semi finals
Ball Boys 1-2 Dynamo FC
Dynamo ousted Ball Boys to continue the COLERM dynasty
Knowing a win will take them to the final of the tournament, Ball Boys headed into their semi final clash with Dynamo FC, the same team they defeated in their final group game.
The team had not conceded a goal up until this fixture with their Goalkeeper Swanky on a run of 360 minutes without conceding a goal.
Unfortunately, Dynamo FC was a better team compared to the early stages of the tournament and completely overwhelmed Ball Boys in the early stages.
Their dominance paid dividends just before the half-time whistle as Joshua took out almost half of the Ball Boys team on his way to scoring a beautiful solo goal to break the deadlock.
Piko leveled matters for Ball Boys from the spot moments after the restart but the score was not level for long. Richard strikes Dynamo back in front after forcing Nigel into making a costly error and the scoreline finished 2-1 to Dynamo.
It was a big result and one that sent the team into their first-ever final while Ball Boys could not believe they’ve been undone by a team they thought they’d walkover.
Smart FC (5) 2-2 (4) Titans
Smart FC outsmart Titans on penalties to reach back-to-back finals
Another rematch of a group meeting saw Titans lockhorns with defending Champions Smart FC in the second semi final.
Titans took a very early lead as Hyricks headed home a Felix free-kick. Titans had also not conceded a goal up to that stage of the tournament but a costly error from their Goalkeeper Segun allowed Kobams fire Smart FC level.
The Goalkeeper lost his clean sheet run having spilled a corner kick and the ball presented itself to Kobams, who might not score a more simpler goal, applying just a touch to sent it home.
Crown headed Titans back in front just before half-time from a corner kick as Smart FC defenders were caught ball watching.
Jay Jay was introduced after the interval as Smart FC chase an equalizer. They would not have one until late in the game, when the substitute’s corner was headed home by captain Adez to force a penalty shoot-out.
Fortune again smile on Smart FC as they won 5-4 in the shoot-out, due to Fola missing Titans’ second spot kick.
Smart FC progressed to reach back-to-back finals, becoming the first team to do so in the history of the competition.
Judgement day in the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta. FUNAAB
Third place play-off : Ball Boys 2-0 Titans
Ball Boys pipped Titans to Bronze in Exquisite Soccer Gala vol. 3
Ball Boys made up for their semi final horrow show by pipping Titans to bronze in the third place playoff thanks to second half goals from Mustapha and Shefiu.
The two teams showed little excitement for the clash having not fully recovered from their respective semi final setbacks but Ball Boys was able to overcome Titans, eventually, to get things started at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB Sports center on final day.
Final
Smart FC 2-0 Dynamo FC
Smart FC roll back the golden days to seal immortality
Smart FC successfully defended their crown following a 2-0 win over Dynamo FC in an eventful final.
The first-half was a tough one for both set of defenders as Smart FC dominated possession and was constantly asking questions off the defenders of Dynamo FC while the latter’s attackers, led by the mercurial Richard, wrecked havocs on the defence of the defending champions.
Richard was so good in the first-half that he got past Harkinbobo at will. Even the center back pair of Samorano and Adez were not completely left out. Feranmi on opposite side of defence also got his share of the humbling.
Unfortunately, none of those exciting moments turned into goals for Dynamo, who went behind midway through the second-half as the champions finally made their dominance count.
West, who had endured an awful evening was played in on the left by Jay Jay. His cutback found Gabs, who fired home from a position of promise to break the deadlock, sending the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB, into frenzy.
Dynamo had not won any game when conceding the first goal and again, it was not meant to be until SMZ added a second for the champions, his third of the tournament, taking him level with Warri Mustapha on most goals scored.
It finished 2-0 to Smart FC, who successfully defended their title, becoming the first side ever to do so.
Award present followed and it was led by the Director of sports of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB, Dr. Samuel Olabanji, and the Students’ Union president Comrade Anthony Nwankwo Meshach, MESH as well as the other Executives.
Also in attendance was the just passed Students’ Union Sports Director of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB, Comrade Young Evans.
A close friend of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB Sports Director was also present, Mr. Popoola (right).
And there is the two brain behind the initiative, Abdulrauf AbdurRasaq (left) and myself, the current Students’ Union Sports Director of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB, on the right.
Dynamo FC were presented their silver medals by General secretary of the Students’ Union, Comrade Abraham Daniel, ABDAN, who hails from College of Environmental Resources Management, COLERM, of which players and staff of the club also represent.
The Champions, Smart FC was corronated by the Sports Director of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB, Dr. Samuel Olabanji.
Statistics leaders
| No. of goals | Goalscorers | Club name | |
| 3 | SMZ | Smart FC | |
| 3 | Warri Mustapha | Oracool FC | |
| 2 | Gabs | Smart FC | |
| 2 | Diaz | Legend Slayers | |
| 2 | Okiki | Ball Boys | |
| 2 | Piko | Ball Boys | |
| 2 | Joshua | Dynamo FC | |
| 2 | Qudus | Dynamo FC |
Most assists
| No. of assists | Players | Club name | |
| 2 | Jay Jay | Smart FC | |
| 2 | Pade | Smart FC | |
| 2 | Jesse | Ball Boys | |
| 2 | Kingsley | Ball Boys | |
| 2 | Azeez | Dynamo FC | |
| 2 | OJ | Legend Slayers | |
Most clean sheets
| No. of clean sheets | Goalkeeper name | Club name |
| 5 | Swanky | Ball Boys |
| 4 | Segun | Titans |
| 3 | Kepa | Smart FC |
| 3 | Gideon | Comrade FC |
Player of the tournament : Adez, Center Back of Smart FC
Goalkeeper of the tournament : Swanky of Ball Boys
The award for the best Goalkeeper was presented to Swanky by Comrade Jking, the director of Treasury of the Students’ Union, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB.
Coach of the tournament : Tosin of Smart FC
Golden boot winner : SMZ of Smart FC
Revelation of the tournament : Richard of Dynamo FC
Performance of the tournament : Emmanuel, Destiny FC Goalkeeper vs. Bot FC
Appreciations
We are using this medium to appreciate everyone that played a part or more in making the third edition of the Exquisite Soccer Gala in the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB, a success.
From the club owners, players, securities, referees, coaches and staff and more importantly the spectators. Thank you all.Sincere appreciation to our partners and sponsors, with whom together we achieved the aim of the competition.
2 Comments
jvgukKJywLGzo
Amazing