By: Muhammad Abdulwahab

It was a spectacular showdown at the 2025 edition of the Faculty of Arts Students’ Association (FASA) Dean’s Cup of theUniversity of Ilorin, as the Department of Religions successfully defended their title in what has become a glorious tradition.

From fierce group stage battles to nerve-racking penalty shootouts, the tournament left unforgettable memories etched into the hearts of players and fans alike.

In an exclusive post match interview with Adeola Adeleke, popularly known as Balo, the captain of the Religions Department football team, shortly after lifting the cup for a second consecutive year. Balo detailed the journey, hurdles, and heroics that led to his team’s historic triumph.“It has not been an easy task, but Alhamdulillah, we were victorious.



According to Balo, the team’s preparation began long before the kickoff whistle.

“We were determined from the moment we heard the Dean’s Cup was going to start,” he said.“Our seniors that left told us, ‘You guys can do it.’ They inspired us to make history repeat itself.”

The team drew motivation from a remarkable legacy. Since 2013, 2014, and 2015, the Department of Religions had won the Dean’s cup back-to-back. That history weighed heavily on the current squad, but they turned the pressure into fuel.

⚽ Match by Match Breakdown

Group Stage 1:The team began its campaign by coming from behind to thrash the Arabic Department 4–1. Despite trailing 1–0, they equalized by halftime and then launched an attacking masterclass in the second half.

Group Stage 2:In a tight second game against the Performing Arts Department, the match ended in a 1–1 draw. Still, the points were enough to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Semi-final:The semi-final was a clash of titans against their long-standing rival, the English Department.

“There’s no Dean’s Cup we’ve had without facing English, and they’ve always been our toughest opponent,” Balo explained.

The Religions side edged the game 1–0, thanks to a second-half substitute, El Maruf, who came in and delivered the match-winning goal.

Final:The final was a rematch against the Arabic Department, but this time, it wasn’t a walk in the park. The game ended in a stalemate, forcing a penalty shootout, where the Religions team held their nerves to emerge victorious once more.

🥇 Awards & Recognitions

Despite the Religions Department winning the title, it was the Arabic Department that took home most of the individual awards, showing how competitive the tournament had become:

Man of the Match (Final): An Arabic player wearing jersey No. 11, whom Balu described as “everywhere on the pitch”.

Player of the Tournament: Also awarded to an Arabic player.

Highest Goal Scorer: Abu Afia of Arabic.

Best Goalkeeper: Deservedly won by the Religions team’s own shot-stopper.

“We were proud of our keeper. He was a wall for us throughout,” Balo noted.

One of the standout aspects of the Religions Department’s team was their inclusive squad structure, involving players from 100 to 400 level.

“Unlike other departments that rely mostly on 300 and 400 level students, our strength lies in all levels contributing,” Balu stated.“This way, even when the senior players graduate, the team remains strong and sustainable.”

He left a heartfelt message for upcoming players:

“They once said our victory was a fluke. Now we’ve done it again. To the younger ones—this legacy is yours to keep alive.”



In an interview with one of the key players of the team who claimed that ” the 2025 FASA Dean’s Cup was more than just a football tournament. It was a celebration of resilience, legacy, and unity. For the Department of Religions, it was a victorious homecoming. The goal keeper asserted that ” it was a reminder that sportsmanship, passion, and teamwork still reign supreme in campus sports”.

As the curtain falls, the Faculty of Arts will remember this edition not just for the goals scored, but for the stories of grit, brotherhood, and history repeated. Congratulations to the Champions – Department of Religions!