Sixty-seven goals were recorded as the 8th UBTH Cup’s group stage got to an end, with the Bankers FC leading the pack with 11 goals recorded and followed by Nigeria Medical Association, who racked up 7 goals and Panthers FC being the only qualified team with two goals in three games.
It was an end-to-end affair in the group stage with teams slugging it out for a place in the quarter-finals of the interprofessional/veterans cup.
Performing Team
The favourite tag placed on them didn’t go down wasted as NMA, Bankers, Benin Recreation Club and UBTH All Stars all won their respective groups, giving them a supposed advantage in the quarter-finals.
The Nigerian Medical Laboratory Scientists lead the second-placed teams with 6 points, the same as the Army S&T Barracks Wheelers and University of Benin FC but with different goals difference.
The lowest-scoring side amongst the remaining eight teams, Panthers FC, could manage only two goals and five points in the group that had Golden Age, Benin Cameroon and group winners, Edo NMA.
Disappointing Teams
The Edo Coaches lead the table of the most disappointing teams at the tournament, placing third in a group that had UBTH All Stars, First Bank and NASST Wheelers. First Bank is another team that failed to live up to their name as an experienced side in the tournament.
Another disappointing team in the tournament was last year’s first runners-up, NNPC FC, who many had tipped to excel. The team failed their fans with just a point recorded in the tournament out of three games. The Nigerian Bar Association FC also failed to live up to expectations. The team, just like NNPC, struggled to make an impact with one point in three games.
Leaving A Mark
Though they look like the least performing team at the tournament with no single point from three games, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria — Edo Chapter — left a good mark on the tournament. The team, just like the Super Eagles, won the best-dressed team and applauded with their Owu Sports jerseys of inviting and fine colours. Edo SWAN’s exit will reduce the colours of the tournament with no other team coming close in design and quality.
What’s Next
With the group stage completed, the eight qualified teams are expected to give the fans more fireworks in the tournament. The last eight teams are NMA, Panther FC from Group A, Bankers and Edo MLS from Group B. Others are Benin Recreation Club and UNIBEN from Group C and UBTH All Stars and NASST Wheelers from Group D.