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Lagos State University Captain Ahemed Malik has declared that the defending champions are fully prepared to retain the UNITECOL Cup 2026 title ahead of their much-awaited final showdown against Lagos State University of Education.
The LASU Blazers, winners of the first edition of the competition last year, have once again demonstrated consistency and resilience throughout the tournament to secure a place in the final.
Before the decisive match, Malik expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to successfully defend the title, highlighting that the motivation comes from both the passion for the game and the legacy established by the institution’s former players.
“What motivates us the most is the love for the game and what our predecessors have left us at the top. Once again, the name LASU sounds challenging,” Malik told Sportxvibe.com.ng.
“It’s not pressure, but I don’t think LASU is ready to give up the cup yet. It will be a challenge, but by the grace of God, we will get the victory.”
LASU’s journey to the final
Lagos State University entered the tournament as defending champions and lived up to expectations during the group stage.
The Blazers topped Group A after an impressive campaign that showed defensive solidity and attacking discipline. Their performances secured them an early qualification to the knockout stage, where they maintained their composure to book another appearance in the final.
Malik has been instrumental in the team’s success, providing leadership and stability from the group stage to the knockout rounds.
The remarkable rise of LASUED
Lagos State University of Education has emerged as one of the surprises of the tournament after an inspiring journey to the final.
LASUED showed tremendous fighting spirit during the group stage, including a dramatic comeback win over Federal College of Education Akoka after coming back from two goals down to win 3-2.
The result proved decisive in securing their qualification to the knockout stage, where they continued their impressive form to earn a historic place in the final.
Their resilience and offensive mentality have made them one of the outstanding teams of UNITECOL 2026.
UNILAG and Yaba Tech prepare for third place playoff
Ahead of the finals, the University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology will battle for third place in what is expected to be another exciting competition.
UNILAG impressed during the group stage by finishing top of Group B, while Yaba Tech advanced from Group A after defeating Federal College of Marine and Fisheries Technology 2-0 to secure qualification to the knockout rounds.
With the competition nearing its climax, attention will now turn to whether LASU can successfully defend its crown or whether LASUED can complete its remarkable fairytale run by lifting the UNITECOL 2026 trophy for the first time.
