The semis were here! It was 24th March, 2022, the day that would turn out to be one of our toughest. We were up against Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU). #myNUGAstory

We arrived early, as usual. The first semi was taking place on the same Yabatech pitch. We wanted to catch a glimpse of our potential opponents in the final we hoped to play. #myNUGAstory

It was an interesting game, and we picked up all we needed to know before halftime. Then we left to warm up and prepare for our own game. A storm was coming. #myNUGAstory

4pm, game time! We were ready and raring to go. The game began with chaos — both teams trying to get a foothold, to take charge of the game. And then calamity happened. #myNUGAstory

Our defender mistimed a tackle in the box and the ref blew for a penalty, which they converted. We were shell-shocked. Going behind at this stage of the tournament was scary. #myNUGAstory

Nobody saw that coming. It was the first time we were trailing in a game all-tournament. What a game for it to happen! Our character as a team was about to be tested. #myNUGAstory

As if the pressure of playing a semi final in front of a home crowd wasn’t enough, we were now playing with the added pressure of chasing an equaliser. We could feel the tension rise. #myNUGAstory