Dean’s Cup: SLT, Chemistry, Physics Deliver Thrilling Knockout Drama

By Chisom Omosor, Tochukwu Onaifoh/Chukwudi Onosigho

The Faculty of Science (FOS) at Delta State University erupted in cheers and gasps this week as the much-anticipated 2025 Dean’s Cup football tournament kicked off with a knockout stage packed with surprises.

Defending champions Science and Laboratory Technology (SLT) stormed to a 3-0 victory, while Chemistry and Physics battled through a record-breaking 16-penalty shootout over two days—cementing the tournament’s reputation for a nail-biting drama.

The knockout stage of the tournament, held from May 10 to May 11, 2025, featured six electrifying matches. In the opening game, reigning champions SLT (Science and Laboratory Technology) showcased their dominance with a 3-0 victory over MLS (Medical Laboratory Science).

SLT’s first goal came from a penalty coolly converted by Ished Favour, popularly known as “Chemical”, after a handball in the box. “I don’t ever miss a penalty,” Chemical later boasted—a claim teammates backed up. Fabian, another standout player, sealed the 3-0 win with a brace, showcasing SLT’s attacking prowess.

“We are not here to lose; we no come here come play,” declared Eriferi Edward, FOS Sports Director and SLT member, mixing English and Pidgin for emphasis.

The excitement didn’t end there. Biochemistry claimed an impressive 4-1 win over Botany, with their players showcasing excellent teamwork and precision. In another dramatic encounter, Computer Science edged out AEB (Animal and Environmental Biology) in a tense penalty shootout, winning 5-4 after a thrilling draw.

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Mathematics comfortably defeated Microbiology 2-0, displaying strong defensive and attacking coordination. But the highlight of the knockout stage was the clash between Chemistry and Physics. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leading to an intense penalty shootout that stretched to an 8-8 deadlock on the first day.

The following day, Chemistry finally secured a 5-4 victory in another penalty shootout, earning their place in the next phase.

Jeremiah Aje, the goalkeeper of the Chemistry team, when asked about his tactics during the penalty shootout, said, “As a goalkeeper, one quality you must have is confidence.”

He further explained, “You have to create fear in your opponent’s mind, and that’s why I was making loud noises during the penalty shootout.”

The final match of the knockout stage saw Physics, who qualified as the best loser, battle Geology. Physics secured a narrow 1-0 victory to claim the final spot in the next round.

Eriferi Edward, the Faculty’s Director of Sports, explained that the competition was designed to identify the best football team among eleven departments in the faculty while promoting unity and sportsmanship.

He credited the faculty administration for their support, stating, “The Faculty is my backbone. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to organize this event successfully.”

Comr. Orevaoghene Royce, the President of the Faculty of Science, shared his excitement about the tournament. “I am rooting for SLT, but I actually want MLS to defeat SLT. I want the bigger dogs out of the competition so my department, Microbiology, can bring the Dean’s Cup home,” he revealed with a laugh.

With the knockout stage concluded, the six teams advancing to the next phase are SLT, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics. With the quarterfinals looming, fans can expect fireworks as these squads battle for the coveted trophy—and faculty bragging.