The second day of Varsity Cup 2024, Nigeria’s first annual university football competition, continued with thrilling matches at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Sports Centre. The hosts, UNIBEN, faced off against the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) Men’s Team, while Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) battled Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in a high-energy contest.

In the first match of the day, UNN asserted their dominance with an impressive 3-0 victory over the hosts, UNIBEN. Onyedikachi Ralu continued his remarkable form, assisting in the two goals scored and securing his second consecutive Moniepoint Star of the Match award. For his stellar performance, Ralu took home the coveted N100,000 cash prize, generously provided by Moniepoint. The third goal came from UNN’s substitute, sealing the fate of UNIBEN, who struggled to find their rhythm.

The second match saw OAU continuing their strong campaign with a solid 2-0 win over AAUA. Goals from OAU’s attackers and a formidable performance from their goalkeeper, Ashaolu Fajimi, ensured that OAU walked away with three points, edging closer to the semifinals. Ashaolu Fajimi’s heroic saves earned him the Moniepoint Star of the Match award and the accompanying N100,000 cash prize for his commanding presence between the posts.

Reflecting on the day’s action-packed matches, Adeyemo Olamide, CEO of Varsity Cup, said, 

“You promised fireworks and Day 2 delivered a fireworks show. These performances are exactly what we envisioned for Varsity Cup, and we’re thrilled to see the players showcase their talent at this level.”

The Varsity Cup 2024 men’s football competition will run for five weeks until November 13, 2024, with more intense matchups ahead as teams battle for a spot in the semifinals. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated women’s football competition has been confirmed to take place next year, with Moniepoint continuing as the official sponsor.

Today’s victories have propelled UNN and OAU closer to securing their places in the semifinals, while UNIBEN and AAUA will need to regroup as the tournament heats up.