By Samuel Bamisebi

The Higher Institution Football League ‘21 quarter final first leg saw games across four Centre’ yesterday as universities fight for a place in the semifinal to play in the prestigious Agege Stadium, Lagos.

Former champions University of Agriculture, Markurdi (UAM Tillers) defeated their opponents all the way from Maiduguri, the University of Maiduguri, Desert Warriors 1-0 courtesy of a late dramatic goal by Aogo Okwupa in the 84th minute to hand them an advantage going into the return fixture.

A brace by Anichebe Elvis either side of half time gave UNN Lions (University of Nigeria, Nsukka) a comfortable 2-0 victory at home over Uniben Royals (University of Benin) who are still searching for their first outing in the semi finals.

In Ilorin, two time semi finalist Unilorin Warriors (University of Ilorin) played out a goalless draw against the FUTMinna Transformers (Federal University of Technology, Minna) in Ilorin and the fixture between UNILAG Marines (University of Lagos) and AAUA Luminaries (Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba) ended in the same score line in Lagos as the Lagos side looked to be close to getting something from the fixtures with a late second half dominance and pressure.

The return leg takes place in a week time on the 1st of October, 2021 with the teams going into the final four decided. The semi finals, third place and final will be played in the Agege Stadium at the date yet to be decided.