ZIK Hall Edges Mellanby Hall in Inter-Hall Freshers’ Cup ’25

By: Azeez Adekunle

On Thursday, 15 May 2025, Zik Hall defeated Mellanby Hall, the defending champions, at the Old Football Pitch, SUB, in a penalty shootout to clinch the Inter-Hall Freshers’ Cup ’25 title.

The much-anticipated final match delivered a classic atmosphere, replete with intrigue and jaw-dropping moments that have come to define finals at the University of Ibadan’s iconic Old Football Pitch.

The Baluba Lions, as Zik Hall is famously called, donned their brown and black jerseys, entering the finals with a mindset set on rewriting history. After being beaten by neighboring brother halls Tedder and Mellanby in the last two editions of the Inter-Hall Freshers’ Cup, Zik’s third attempt was a chance to set the record straight.

Buoyed by the enormous support of home fans, evident from chants, songs, caskets, and loud drumming even before kickoff, Mellanby Hall needed great stamina and perseverance to snatch a victory from the ever-marauding Zik Hall crowd.

The match started late due to the female final between Queens Hall and Idia Hall, which the former won 5-0 to emerge as the winner of the Inter-Hall Freshers’ female category.

Mellanby was the first to grow into the game, almost converting in the 4th minute after a clear-cut pass found their No. 9 in a dangerous position, which he failed to connect with.

In the 6th minute, the Baluba boys were once again caught off guard, almost conceding a goal to Mellanby. However, Mellanby’s No.9 headed a deep pass from the midfield straight to the Zik goalkeeper, failing to threaten the opponent’s net.

Mellanby continued to dominate as proceedings went on, but Zik had their own attempt at goal in the 16th minute, which the goalkeeper parried out. The ensuing rebound was called offside. Another effort was made by the Zik team to open the scoreline in the 21st minute, which was also parried out by Mellanby’s goalkeeper, with defenders clearing the ball to safety.

Despite both teams’ efforts, the match remained goalless at the end of regular time. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Zik Hall maintained composure under pressure, converting their spot-kicks with precision. Mellanby’s No.10 struck his effort against the crossbar, an unfortunate moment that sealed their fate.

With the win secured, Zik Hall were crowned champions of the Inter-Hall Freshers’ Cup ’25. Zik captain, Oyewole Gbolahan, was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. Their goalkeeper received the Best Goalkeeper award, and Coach Adetuji Samson, popularly known as Natty, earned the Coach of the Tournament title.