For the home fans, it was an emotional game as they watched their team falter in their quest to overturn the first leg deficit.

The stage was set in Ile-Ife with OAU needing to pull off something remarkable to erase the 3-1 loss they suffered in the first leg. Having lost on the road, OAU was banking on home advantage to spark a comeback. Yet, JOSTUM led by their prolific goalscorer Amodu Unite seemed determined to truncate any comeback attempts from the hosts.

The first half was an intense battle for dominance. OAU held a slight edge in possession at 52% but despite their efforts, they consistently failed in the goal-scoring department where it mattered the most. 

JOSTUM’s disciplined defense coupled with wayward finishing kept OAU’s forwards at bay. The visitors on the other hand were content to exploit spaces on the counter. With the finishing touch lacking on both sides, the scoreboard remained unchanged and this set up a dramatic second half.

The game’s defining moments unfolded around the hour mark. In the 60th minute, a mistake from OAU’s goalkeeper opened the door for JOSTUM. Under pressure, he mishandled the ball thus allowing Amodu Unite who has been in sensational form throughout the tournament to pounce and slot it into the net.

It was Unite’s fifth goal of the campaign, one that solidified his status as the competition’s top scorer. OAU responded almost immediately. Barely a minute later, an attacking move by OAU led to a clumsy foul and the referee wasted no time in pointing to the penalty spot. Yekini Olanrewaju, the OAU Giants’ captain stepped up with confidence and calmly converted the penalty in the 61st minute to bring OAU back to level terms.

The quick response reignited the home fans’ hopes but with JOSTUM still holding the aggregate lead, OAU’s task remained formidable. Despite OAU’s best efforts to push forward, JOSTUM’s defense rose to the occasion by absorbing pressure and clearing every dangerous ball that came their way.

The minutes ticked away with OAU desperately seeking another goal but their efforts yielded no results with JOSTUM picking up three yellow cards in the process. High level defending by JOSTUM ensured OAU didn’t extend their tally right until the referee’s final whistle which sealed sealing a 4-2 aggregate victory and confirmed their place in the championship final.

For OAU, it was a bitter end to a campaign that had seen moments of exceptional brilliance especially in the group stages. Although disappointed by the defeat, they definitely have many positives to build upon for the future.

JOSTUM on the other hand have emerged as championship contenders. With Amodu Unite leading their attack, they have shown a fine blend of clinical finishing and defensive solidity which has made them worthy finalists.

With JOSTUM now in the finals, all eyes will now be on the second leg of the semifinal clash between UNILORIN and UNN