FUTO Edge Imo Poly to Reach OneDosh Imo Unity Cup Semi-finals
The Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) became the latest team to secure a place in the semi-finals of the maiden OneDosh Imo State Unity Cup after defeating Imo State Polytechnic, Omuma, 1-0 in a fiercely contested Match Day Three encounter on Friday at the Alvan School Field, Owerri.
The decisive moment came in the 12th minute when Adigweh Pius Chimaobi calmly converted an early opportunity to give FUTO the lead. It was a goal that ultimately separated both sides in one of the most closely fought matches of the tournament.
Imo State Polytechnic refused to back down after falling behind and created several chances before the interval, but FUTO’s organised defence kept the Omuma-based side at bay to preserve their advantage heading into halftime.
The pressure intensified after the restart as Imo Poly searched relentlessly for an equaliser. However, FUTO goalkeeper Bernardson-Ofosere Jesse Kelechi produced a series of outstanding saves to deny the attackers and ensure his side finished with a clean sheet.
The match also saw two FUTO players cautioned. Uchelor Confidence Chidubem received a yellow card in the 23rd minute for an infringement, while goalscorer Adigweh Pius Chimaobi was booked in the 34th minute following an off-the-ball incident involving Imo Poly goalkeeper Obinna Bekee Prince.
FUTO now join Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (AIFUE) and Imo State University (IMSU) in the semi-finals. AIFUE opened the competition with a 3-1 victory over the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UAES), Umuagwo, while IMSU defeated Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU) 3-0 on Match Day Two.
Attention now turns to Saturday’s final quarter-final fixture, where Federal College of Land Resources Technology (FECOLART), Owerri, will battle Federal Polytechnic Nekede for the last semi-final ticket. The match kicks off at 3:00 p.m. at the Alvan School Field.
The OneDosh Imo State Unity Cup, which began on July 1, will conclude on July 24 with the final at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. Packaged by Engineer Ugochukwu Obinna Egbunine and sponsored by OneDosh in partnership with the Imo State Ministry of Sports, the competition is designed to discover young football talents, promote grassroots sports development and strengthen unity among tertiary institutions across Imo State.
