‘Whatsoever is good for the goose is good for the gander‘ is a common phrase that preaches the message of equality for all and inclusion. The Seals Cup, a major and unarguably the most anticipated footballing tournament in the Premier University for years, is adding a new and more exciting dimension to its already extremely intriguing format. This year, the competition will see a paradigm shift from being solely for the male category to one that’ll account for both the male and female categories. The hype, the excitement and expectations behind this new development is nothing new and usual as female players who have dazzled on a departmental and faculty level have finally been given a stage, arguably the biggest stage in UI football, to show their mettle. As it is typical of tournaments, we shall be taking a closer look at the teams and players who are speculated to light up the tournament – of which they will be playing in a 5-a-side format.
Stakes
The SEALS Cup planning committee welcomed us into July with the modalities for the tournament. Female departmental teams were expected to pay 10,000 Naira for registration as there are 16 open slots for all departments in the University that can provide a complete and contending female team squad. Considering that this is the maiden edition, there’s not so much comparative analysis to do as regards the registration fee. Also, relative to the tournament format for the male category, it’s a fair bargain for the females – although prizes aren’t known yet. Contrary to the number of female teams expected to participate in the tournament (16), we have only 10 teams available. That might, or might not, communicate a less fierce competition. Nevertheless, competing teams are aware of the stakes and are ready to make the sacrifices, reason they went ahead to purchase the forms. Peace Ogunlana, a recent graduate of Mathematics and an amazing female footballer popularly known as Physayrian, expressed her feelings regarding the registration fee for the competition stating that while it was on the high side, which might explain the absence of some other top teams in the tournament, she understands the perspective of the organizers as individual awards and medals are not easily affordable.
Analyses
It is only fair to open the analyses tab with the tournament favourites, Arts and Social Sciences Education popularly abbreviated as ASSE. This side has recorded a great deal of success and the winning mentality is no stranger at all whatsoever to these crops of players. They are the current champions of the Sigma Chief’s Cup and back-to-back winners of their Dean’s Cup. They exude so much confidence and dexterity on the field of play, with ability to make intricate passes and ultimately, an eye for goal. Within this very successful group of players are some stand-out performers. Lola, Lolade, and Esther are three absolute gems that the side will remain grateful to have in their arsenal. Whenever these three are fit and available to play, it’s almost impossible to take down this side because their chemistry and galvanizing effect on the team is just an incomprehensible spectacle. They will definitely be looking to add this trophy to their already glamourous locker. Despite all these, Esther was full of praise and respect to the other teams, stating that all teams are threats and there is no special team out there as surprises are an integral part of the game. According to her, her greatest fear in the tournament is not giving her 100% on the pitch. She maintained that focus and commitment is very important. In her words, “every game is a big game.”
Human Kinetics and Health Education (KHE) is another side that should never be taken for granted. Known majorly for their directness, physicality, aggressiveness, and relentless pressing, you really don’t want to write them off. Speaking to one of the players, ‘the team is really hyped and very much willing to grab the tournament by the scruff of the neck and leaving absolutely nothing to chance’. However, they are not participating in this tournament and we don’t have reasons to that regard. But only time will tell what this team will offer in the subsequent tournaments.
Statistics, a quick-transition footballing side, is a team that deserves to be paid close attention to also. They are a very defensively compact team that can hurt teams on the counter. A year ago, they prided themselves with two pacey players, Sylia and Suliyat but with the former having graduated, they’d have to rely on the pace of the latter to lead them in transition during counter-attacks against opposition teams. This is no problem at all because their defense is near perfect. Like the Special One (Jose Mourinho) famously said, attack wins you games but defense wins you titles. The team will hold on so dearly to this as they hope this would be their story in the imminent tournament.
It has been proven that one of the most difficult teams to beat in football is a team that plays as a unit, teams that are not dependent on any notable figure to bail them out. This is what Communication and Language Arts (CLA) and Philosophy are all about. These two are sides that play as a collective, defending together and attacking together. Despite the former having an excellent player in Bisola, they still are not dependent on her skill-set to see them through games and this just makes the side a very tricky side to play against. Also, it’s sad that they won’t be playing in the maiden edition. Fingers remain firmly crossed as Philosophy are primed to be the dark horses of the tournament.
Mathematics, since losing their star player, Physarian, have not really been able to recover. Her influence on the team and her ability to win them games alone even if the rest of the players are not on their day is a privilege they haven’t learnt to live without. Following this, some doubts were cast on their participation in the tournament. Upon the press conference that held two days ago, we are not seeing the team in this maiden edition too. Archaeology, despite not having either of notable players or glistening antecedents, are part of the ten teams to fight for gold, let’s see how that goes. The participation of Human Nutrition, having a rock at the back in the person of Teri, was highly anticipated but we are not seeing them in this tournament as Human Nutrition, but together with Environmental Health Science as Public Health. European Studies, just like Mathematics, have lost a one-man army in Solace but are eager to prove that they are still a strong side; however, we are not seeing them in this tournament too. The Faculty of Technology, on the flip side, will not be seeing any of their teams feature in the tournament as they don’t have enough personnel to do so.
Psychology would have been a force to reckon with, especially with the inclusion of DLC and post graduate students in this tournament. However, we are not seeing them too and will not get to watch the brilliance of Mercy and Blessing. This duo is the nightmare of any defense. They are exceptional dribblers and passers of the ball with shredding pace. Their ambidexterity only makes matters worse. It’ll be very interesting to witness the greatness of these two players in subsequent tournaments.
Taking all these into account, it is important that we look at the MBBS female football team and their chances. Like it is in the DNA of the department, the goal of the team coming into the tournament is to be crowned champions. Across the six classes of the department, lie a lot of talent. The just concluded pre-NiMSA games heat saw the revelation of female footballing gems. Following proper recruitment of personnel from goalkeeper to striker and a nice blend of youth and experience, the team has all it takes to win the tournament. It is also important to take into account time factor as the regular scheduling of training sessions in order to build chemistry among the players hinges upon it. Nevertheless, all things being equal and the presence of match winning players like Eseosa and Chidinma, the holy grail is attainable.
Predictions
The groupings for the tournament have been released as the tournament will see 10 teams participate in two groups of five. Group A consists of LARIS, Philosophy, History, Archeology and Nursing. Group B, considered as the group of death, consists of Linguistics, Statistics, Public Health, Medicine and Surgery and ASSE. Physayrian also spoke about the fact that ‘female football in UI should be improved as a 5-aside match up for the ladies is not really a reflection of growth’. According to her, ‘a 7-aside will be a better fit and a good place to start’. Capping it off, she predicts that group A will see Philosophy top the group while either LARIS or Archeology will take up the second spot and Group B will see ASSE top the group as they are deemed the strongest team in UI while Medicine and Surgery will settle for second spot. Like Esther said, surprises are an integral part of the game, Nursing, History, Archaeology, Linguistics, etc., have the opportunity to write their names in the sands of time.
Conclusion
The maiden edition of the Seals Cup female category promises to be captivating, enthralling, and exhilarating, one you wouldn’t want to miss.
Nmesomachi Okoronkwo.
