The Final of the First Edition of the Grand Patrons Cup was held at the Marracana Field in Rivers State University (RSU) on Sunday, July 30, 2023 with Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) getting the better of RSU winning 1-0.

IAUE students came to cheer on their team away from home notwithstanding the distance and it served as a boost for the side as they were without the home advantage.

Rivers State University on the other hand just could not find the final strike, which saw them lose at home by a goal to nothing.

It was all jubilations after the game as RSU showcased good sportsmanship and collected the first runners-up medal while IAUE students were in high spirits, dancing and popping wine in celebration.

The Grand Patrons Cup was visited by mother nature with rainfall but it did not prevent the students from balling, although it made it all the more difficult to get a grip on the pitch.

The Grand Patron Cup was organized by the National Union of Bonny Students (NUBS), National Secretariat in collaboration with White House Sports Club International, Bonny Island.

NUBS National President, Ken-Banigo Kelly spoke on how the Grand Patrons Cup came about.

“I attended a football match in White House International Sports Club and I was talking to the President and he said if we should do something like a football competition to merge all Nubsites together and that was how the event fully came about and thank God the Final is here and it is a success.”

Road to the Finals

In Pot one, NUBS-ELECHI forfeited the match against NUBS-RSU which gifted the hosts an automatic place in the final.

In Pot two, University of Port Harcourt went head to head with Ignatius Ajuru University, the match ended 3-0 in favour of Ignatius which saw them set up a final clash with Rivers State University.

The Final

The Grand Patrons Cup Final started with Ken-Banigo Kelly, NUBS National President introducing Kristina Reports Sports Correspondent; Ikio Annabel, as the special guest to the players.

She had handshakes with the players and later kicked the ball to signify the start of the game.

Ignatius Ajuru University started the game on the attack which led to a foul on their player and a free kick awarded to the side.

Ignatius continued on the attack but Rivers State University’s defense was up to the task of rebuffing the IAUE offensive.

A goal-scoring opportunity then went begging after RSU’s keeper, Adewale stopped a free kick from going into the box.

Six minutes into the game, RSU finally got on the attack but it was futile as Divine, goalkeeper of IAUE, came all out to get a hold of the ball.

The game proceeded with most of the ball in RSU ‘s 18-yard box as IAUE enjoyed a big spell of possession but it did not translate to goal until the 20th minute when Edmond Longjohn found the back of the net.

Rivers State University gradually got into the game and made several attempts to draw level but the player on the attack was often isolated and well-marked by the opposition.

At the stroke of half-time Ignatius Ajuru University led by a goal to nothing. 10 minutes into the second half, RSU had a goal-scoring opportunity via a set piece but could not convert it.

They continued to search for an equaliser but it was fruitless. Keeper of RSU, Adewale kept the deficit at one as IAUE looked to double their lead.

The home side rallied for an equaliser as a shot from the right wing went across goal and was cleared by an IAUE defender.

RSU continued on the attack as substitute, Jumbo, shot a fine ball in from the left into the final third but it was a scramble and it once again went begging.

Having already scored a goal, IAUE made sure to protect their lead as they kept the opposition from getting an equaliser. RSU on the other hand lacked sharpness in front of goal and so the first-half goal from the visitors made all the difference.

NUBS Ignatius Ajuru University, Director of Socials and goal scorer, Edmond Longjohn, spoke to Kristina Reports Sports in a post-match interview.

“Well, first things first, we give thanks to God Almighty. Everybody underestimated us but nevertheless, we came in strong and we finished stronger.”

“We are really thankful. My boys, mehn they tried, the effort was something else. We pray that we come back next year and still win again”

NUBS Ignatius Ajuru University Chapter President, Fredmaur Green was elated after his side’s victory.

“It is so so amazing. I’m so excited that my boys did it, they came to UST and made us proud.”