UNILAG Marines Secure Victory at 2024 FASU Games
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) experienced a mixed day at the 11th FASU Games on September 24, 2024. The highlight came from the male football team, the UNILAG Marines, who achieved a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against Nkumba University of Uganda.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) faced a day of highs and lows during the 11th FASU Games, showcasing both resilience and disappointment across various sports. The highlight of the day came from the UNILAG male football team, the Marines, who delivered an exhilarating 2-1 comeback victory against Nkumba University of Uganda.
The day commenced with a challenging start for UNILAG, as the female football team, known as the UNILAG Angels, experienced a narrow 1-0 defeat to the University of Labé from Guinea. The disappointment continued as the male basketball team fell just short, losing 66-67 to Universite General Lansana Conte De Sonfonia, also from Guinea.
Despite these setbacks, the UNILAG Marines brought hope to their supporters as they took to the field later in the evening. The stadium was alive with energy, with enthusiastic fans cheering on the team, eager for a change in fortune.
The Marines initially took the lead in the first half with a brilliant goal from Chisom Odili. However, the momentum shifted when Nkumba University equalized early in the second half, putting pressure on the UNILAG team. Demonstrating their fighting spirit, the Marines rallied back, with Olaonipekun Issac netting the winning goal and igniting a wave of jubilation among the crowd.
“This victory means everything to us,” exclaimed Oluwaseun Dunmila, captain of the UNILAG Marines, his voice filled with emotion. “We knew we had to lift the spirits of our University after the earlier results. This win is for everyone who believed in us.”
The day highlighted the unpredictable nature of sports, with UNILAG experiencing both the agony of defeat and the thrill of victory. While losses in other events were disheartening, the triumph of the Marines provided a much-needed morale boost for the entire UNILAG contingent.
In other matches, Julius Nyerere University of Kankan (UJNK) from Guinea secured a 1-0 victory against the male football team of the University of Development Studies, Ghana, underlining the competitive spirit of this year’s FASU Games.
As Day 2 of the games wraps up, the University of Lagos looks ahead with renewed determination, inspired by the remarkable performance of their male football team. The UNILAG community stands united, hopeful for further successes in the upcoming days of the FASU Games.
