NIPOGA 2017: Nass, Laspotech, Sokoto, Kad poly zoom into football semis
NAN-S
Football
By Victor Okoye
Nasarawa, May 3, 2017 (NAN) The Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa as well as, Lagos, Sokoto and Kaduna Polytechnics all booked semi-final berths in the male football event at the ongoing Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) in Nasarawa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 4,000 athletes are taking part in the 19th edition of the Games taking place at the Nasarawa Federal Polytechnic.
Nasarawa with seven points emerged winners of Group A which comprised Sokoto, Saki and Imo State Polytechnic (IMT).
Sokoto, with six points, finished as runners up of the group.
Kaduna with five points emerged Group B leaders which comprised Laspotech, Oko and Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi.
Runners- up Laspotech also had five points like Kaduna, but was edged into the second position because Kaduna had goal superiority.
Nasarawa beat Sokoto 2-1 in their first game, drew 1-1 with Saki in their second game and then defeated IMT 2-0 in their final game.
Laspotech drew their first and second games; had goalless draws against Plateau State Poly Barkin Ladi and Kaduna respectively, before defeating Oko 2-1 in their last game.
Kaduna defeated Plateau State Poly Barkin Ladi 2-0 in their first game, played out a goalless draw in their second and last game against Laspotech and Oko.
Their semi-final opponents, Sokoto lost their first game 1-2 to Nasarawa, but bounced back to win their second and third game, defeating IMT 3-1 and Saki 2-0 respectively.
The semi-final fixtures will see Group A winners Nasarawa take on the runners up of Group B, Laspotech, while Group B winners Kaduna lock horns with Sokoto, the runners up of Group A.
NAN also reports that in the female category, Owo with nine maximum points emerged winners of Group A comprising Nasarawa, Onwana and Bali.
Nasarawa with six points finished as runners up of the group.
Also, Yaba were ruthless as the brushed aside their opponents which include Ede, Kazaure and Bida to finish as Group B winners. Ede settled for the runners up position in the group.
Owo walked over Onwana and Bali in their first and second games respectively before beating hosts Nasarawa by a lone goal.
Yaba on the other hand white washed their opponents Ede 6-1 in their first game, walked over Kasaure in their second fixture and then whipped Bida 6-0 in their last group game.
Hosts,Nasarawa had a rather smooth journey in the group stages as they walked over Onwana and Bali respectively, but lost 1-0 to eventual group winners Owo.
The semifinal fixtures will see Group A winners Owo play Ede, the runners up of Group B, while Group B winners Yaba will battle with hosts Nasarawa, the runners up of Group A.
All semifinal matches both in the male and female categories are expected to be concluded on Friday.
The games which began on April 29 is expected to end with the closing ceremony on Saturday. (NAN)
VO/YAZ
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