By Abraham Isaac
At full-time, while the Queens of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) players were in jubilation mode, the Vixens of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) were caught up with mixed emotions about playing their first competitive game and being whitewashed 5-0 on Wednesday.
Upon kick-off at the AAUA Sports Complex, the home fans in their numbers supported the Vixens via chanting, jeering but it was not enough to stop the home side from conceding a goal in the 15th minute.
The FUOYE Queens would not stop there as they showed superiority in exposure, and quality of players coupled with goalkeeping errors, lack of confidence, and miscommunication among players from the home side to finish the first half, 4-0. However, AAUA Vixens upped their ante in the second half but ended up conceding one more goal.
Reacting to the defeat, AAUA Vixens Vice-captain, a 300 level student of Public Administration student, Adeola Adebayo who did not hide her disappointment assured the school populace of bouncing back in preparation for the Higher Institution Football League (HIFL)
In her words, "To be honest I felt bad and my emotions got the better of me, so I cried. I believe we (AAUA Vixens) are coming back stronger.
"We need to intensify our training, we sometimes do not practice constantly due to classes, tests, and all. Immediately after exams, we should be up and running."
The captain of FUOYE Queens, Agbeeni Olamide, a final year student of Sociology department commended her team for the victory and called for enhanced participation of females in sports, especially football.
She said, "I must commend my team for the victory. We didn't start well but got our rhythm and the rest is history. In addition, I call on colleges to ensure they have a working female football team to develop talents and not deprive them (women) of certain privileges."
When asked if the exposure of his side gave them an edge over the AAUA Vixens, FUOYE Queen's coach, Blessing Adedeji said his side is still a work in progress.
"These girls have the exposure and quality in their style of play. We participated in the 2022 NUGA, Ekiti State Institution Games, AITEO Cup, and South Africa Western Games among others and some of the players have been integrated into professional women's clubs to improve their play. The team is a work in progress, defeating the Vixens is not our highest peak. I believe in subsequent games we will play better." he said.
In the same vein, AAUA Vixens coach, Oluwafemi Olatuja stressed that the loss is a foundation for his side to intensify their preparation towards the fast-approaching HIFL in August.
"I did not expect a heavy defeat but football is about rise and fall. I am excited my players had the chance to play their first game, it serves as an eye opener regardless of the defeat."
Olatuja further called for support from the institution's management, adding that during subsequent training sessions, their emotional challenges and other weak aspects of their game will be improved on.
However, the Chief Coach of AAUA, Lawal Surajudeen promised the team of unalloyed support by the management, and sports council to further develop the team.
He said, "Immediately after exams another friendly will be played before the competition proper. The Vice-chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige, a sport-loving man sees the ladies as his children and he always approves training and competition allowance before the start of any competition to motivate players."
"This is the last friendly before exams, and it is an acid test for the players to know how a game is played under an intense atmosphere. We encourage more ladies who have what it takes to come out and join the team," he added.
A home-side fan, Isaac Olatunji, a 200-level student of Accounting department lauded the effort of the ladies competing against a stronger side.
"To put things in perspective, the difference between the two sides is clear in terms of exposure and experience. I give kudos to the Vixens, subsequently, they will improve. They now need to be more focused and deliberate during training sessions."
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