AIFUE Storm Into OneDosh Imo Unity Cup Semi-Finals With Convincing Win Over UAES
The maiden edition of the OneDosh Imo State Unity Cup got off to an exciting start on Wednesday as Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (AIFUE) combined an impressive performance with a lively opening ceremony to book the first semi-final ticket of the competition.
Backed by goals from Peter Marcel, Nwosu Chinedu and substitute Ohanaka Marcus, AIFUE defeated the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UAES), Umuagwo, 3-1 in the tournament opener played at the Alvan School Field.
The victory ensured AIFUE became the first team to reach the last four in the competition, which is organised to promote youth development and unity through football.
AIFUE took control of the contest in the first half and opened the scoring in the 33rd minute when Peter Marcel finished off a well-worked attacking move with a simple tap-in from close range.
The hosts strengthened their grip on the match four minutes later as Nwosu Chinedu calmly converted to make it 2-0 before the interval.
UAES returned for the second half with renewed determination and reduced the deficit in the 59th minute through Uche Smart, briefly raising hopes of a comeback.
Those hopes were short-lived as substitute Ohanaka Marcus restored AIFUE’s two-goal advantage in the 68th minute with a clinical finish. The home side then defended comfortably to secure a deserved 3-1 victory despite late pressure from UAES.
Beyond the action on the pitch, the opening ceremony reflected the growing profile of the tournament, attracting top government officials and key stakeholders in sports development across Imo State.
The competition is the brainchild of Engineer Ugochukwu Obinna Egbunine and is sponsored by OneDosh, a global finance app, in collaboration with the Imo State Ministry of Sports. The initiative is aimed at empowering young people and creating more opportunities for grassroots football talents.
Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, performed the ceremonial kick-off, while the Commissioner for Youth and Talent Hunt Development, Hon. Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu, senior officials of the Ministry of Sports and former lawmaker Hon. Mrs. Uju Onwudiwe were also present.
Students and football lovers created a colourful and energetic atmosphere throughout the encounter, providing fitting support for a tournament that promises to deliver exciting football and showcase emerging talents.
Attention now shifts to Thursday’s second quarter-final at the Alvan School Field, where Imo State University will face Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, with kick-off scheduled for 3 p.m. as the battle for the remaining semi-final places continues.
Report Credit: Puyaka.net
