The opening day of the Round of 16 in the 2025 Seals Cup lived up to expectations with three electrifying matches that delivered goals, drama, and high-stakes football as Wood Production Engineering (WPE), Civil Engineering, and Industrial and Production Engineering (IPE) clinched their places in the quarterfinals.
Akandu brace sends History pas WPE advance
The day’s action kicked off at 3:06pm with Wood Production Engineering facing the Department of History. Dressed in white and black with yellow accents, WPE dominated early proceedings and quickly established control.
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Akandu was the standout performer, netting twice in the 11th and 21st minutes, , capitalizing on a swift counterattack and a defensive blunder respectively, to give WPE a commanding 2-0 lead heading into the break.
History responded with renewed energy in the second half, and Femi pulled one back just two minutes after the restart. Despite tactical changes and the introduction of fresh legs including Jaiye and Benedict, History couldn’t find a way past WPE’s resilient backline.
A crucial last-minute save by goalkeeper Muhamzy ensured WPE held on, securing the first quarterfinal berth of the tournament.
Civil Engineering edge Economics in penalty thriller
The second game of the day, which began at 4:24pm, saw Civil Engineering come from behind to edge out Economics in a rollercoaster match that ended in penalties.
Economics got an early lead through an own goal following a goalmouth scramble just two minutes into the tie. Despite relentless pressing and multiple set-piece threats, Civil Engineering trailed 1-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Daniel drew Civil Engineering level in the 18th minute before Jamiu headed home a freekick to complete the comeback just five minutes later. However, late drama ensued when Civil Engineering’s goalkeeper fumbled a last-minute corner into his own net, levelling the match at 2-2.
The penalty shootout was tense. Both sides converted their first three kicks before Civil’s keeper saved Economics’ fourth attempt. Although Civil Engineering missed its final kick, Economics couldn’t capitalize, skying what could have been a lifeline.
Final Score: Civil Engineering 2 – 2 Economics (Civil Engineering won 4–3 on penalties)
Man of the Match: Daniel (Civil Engineering)
IPE outlast Pharmacy in cagey contest Settled by Penalties
The final match of the day was a closely contested affair between Industrial and Production Engineering (IPE) and Pharmacy, ending goalless at full-time before IPE triumphed 6-5 in a nerve-racking penalty shootout.
From the onset, both teams showed intent, with IPE’s Abraham testing the Pharmacy keeper early. Pharmacy nearly took the lead through Zee, whose thunderous strike hit the woodwork.
As the match wore on, both sides had promising chances. Agbowo was a constant threat for IPE, while Pharmacy relied on set-pieces and counterattacks. Despite moments of brilliance from both goalkeepers and defenders, neither team could find a breakthrough.
In the shootout, IPE held their nerve, converting all six of their penalties. Pharmacy faltered at the critical moment, sending IPE through to the next round.
Final Score: IPE 0 – 0 Pharmacy (IPE won 6–5 on penalties)
Man of the Match: Kenneth (IPE)
With WPE, Civil Engineering, and IPE safely through to the quarterfinals, attention now turns to the remaining Round of 16 fixtures as teams battle for the remaining spots in what promises to be an enthralling Seals Cup 2025.
