Despite their exciting, mouth-watering and energetic style of football, the lads from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA) were unable to book a slot for themselves in the knock-out stages of this year’s edition of the Varsity Cup.

AAUA kicked off their Varsity Cup campaign in the worst possible way by losing 2-1 to the team from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and following that up with another bitter defeat but this time to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). With their style of play alone, AAUA did not deserve to leave both matches empty-handed, but their plans for qualification were ultimately sabotaged by poor finishing. They put on a showing not so different from what would be obtained if Bayer Leverkusen had both Lukaku and Darwin Nunez as strikers; excellent play, horrific finishing.

Regardless of their spirited display, AAUA failed to score too many goals from open play in their first two games. In fact, the lone goal they have scored so far was a by-product of a freekick. This clearly indicates that the team’s striking department is dysfunctional. 

Of course, a few fingers could be pointed at the AAUA goalkeeper since he let in an average of two goals per game. However, it is important to state that he was not culpable for any of the goals his team conceded. Yes, he had a few shaky moments and appeared uncomfortable with the ball at his feet, but none of his errors directly led to a goal. 

Ultimately, the team was undone by their failure to make the most of their chances. The sideways passes from pacy wingers flashed across the face of goal begging for as little as a simple tap to steer it in. Through passes were overhit and most times, rolled harmlessly out of play or into the waiting gloves of the opposition goalkeeper.

Even as they gather their belongings and return to those who have sent them here, the boys from Akungba would be fondly remembered by spectators. They might have crashed out of the Varsity Cup but they won our hearts