The battleground is set. The date is tomorrow, May 17th. Once again, Ife Medicine football gladiators will clash in the prestigious IFUMSA Football League (IFL)—a tournament that has grown to become more than just a sport but a tradition, a rivalry, and a test of grit, talent, and teamwork.
Now in its 4th edition, the IFL has come a long way since its inception in 2022.
6 Teams
15 Matches
5 Weeks
1 Champion
Every Saturday for the next five weeks, IFL’s heat will blaze on the pitch, and when the dust settles, only one team will hoist the trophy.
A Brief Look Back: Past IFL Champions
Since its inception, the IFL has been a showcase of brilliance and heartbreak.
- 🏆 IFL 1.0: Excelciors claimed the inaugural title.
- 🏆 IFL 2.0 & 3.0: Exypnos emerged as back-to-back champions, etching their name in IFL history
In the last two editions, Exypnos has firmly stamped their authority on the IFUMSA Football League, clinching back-to-back titles with style and dominance. This season, they made a statement once again by dismantling Tenacious 5-0 in the fiery opener of the maiden IFUMSA Super Cup—a performance that sent a clear warning to all title contenders.
But this is football. And as every fan knows, football rarely follows a script.
Burning Questions Ahead of IFL 4.0
- Can Exypnos defend their crown and complete a historic treble?
- Will Unicus, now in their penultimate year, rise from near misses and finally write their own legacy?
- Can Tenacious, the reigning Wale Okediran Cup champions, translate cup glory into league dominance?
- Will dark horses like Magna, Impavidus, or Invictus throw the ultimate spanner in the title chase?
To match the buzz, MediVoice caught up with the coaches of the six competing teams to find out how ready they are and what to expect.
🟡 Impavidus – “Giving Up Isn’t in Our DNA”
Coach: Ologunti Thomas Oluwaseun (Healer)
The newly assembled Team Impavidus may be rookies, but they’re stepping onto the pitch with the mindset of warriors. Leading the charge is Coach Healer, whose belief in the team’s potential is as fiery as Valverde’s rocket volley from 30 yards out.
“Team Impavidus is a newly formed team established to improve coordination and efficiency in football playing style within the department,” he told MediVoice. “It comprises dedicated players that are willing to go the extra mile to win trophies for Impavidus. We aren’t there yet, but we will be there with challenges. Like I used to tell myself, ‘Fight for it. Sacrifice. Push yourself. Go through every challenge until you get there’.”
On translating debutant energy into results, he says:
“We will always do what we do best. And that’s giving it our all — to achieve our desires and goals on the pitch. ‘The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory.’ – Les Brown.”
With raw hunger in their eyes, Impavidus hopes to shock the old guards.
“What sets us apart is that we don’t just give up. We don’t really know how to. Giving up isn’t in our DNA—that’s our specific strength,” Healer affirms.
As for the so-called “underdog” label?
“To me, I don’t believe in the word ‘underdog.’ There are 11 men on the pitch; we are also 11. They might be more experienced, but sometimes experience doesn’t win you a game. Manchester City drew Southampton in their last game. Lol, nothing special actually!”
🔵 Invictus – Brotherhood Over Bravado
Coach: Salaudeen Abdulmateen Ifeoluwa
Invictus enters IFL 4.0 with the fire of last season still burning—and a clearer sense of purpose: unity over ego.
“The Invictus team, like every other successful team, is built to foster brotherhood and togetherness—not a team that relies on individual brilliance,” said Captain Ifeoluwa. “When we thrive, we thrive together. When we fall, we fall together.”
He admits last season was a turning point:
“The team has improved both mentally and physically, and the boys are charged up. Our little ups moment last year is definitely a confidence booster. But like I always say, we just want to have fun with the round leather. 😂”
Despite having less training time compared to previous seasons, Invictus has found strength in mental growth and tactical maturity.
“Yeah, a lot has really changed about the team: new players, a new style of play. Though we don’t get much time to train as before, the mentality has been instilled ever since, and it’s evolved crazily over time.”
Invictus is no longer looking over their shoulders—they’re eyeing a spot among the giants.
“Some teams have written their names in the sands of time as regards this competition—it won’t hurt to write ours too, maybe this year or in the coming years 😊.”
And if you think they’re backing down from any challenge, think again.
“If there are people who want war and probably want to settle scores, then they’ll have it! No specific team in mind—we treat all games the same way.”
⚫ Magna – “We need goals, goals, and goals!”
Coach: Afolabi Peter (Rocky)
Magna, known for unpredictability, is back with intent. Coach Rocky is all about actions over hype.
“Magna Champions bring most members of the Magna class together outside books and studies. It’s time to put smiles on the faces of our fans.”
Last season, Magna stunned stalwarts—and he hints that the magic might strike twice.
“This season, let’s make it a surprise again. The players are ready.”
Does Magna want to drop the underdog tag?
“Well… it’s in the display. Let’s show workings.”
On playing with heart:
“We love beautiful and enjoyable football, but this time we need goals, goals, and goals, playing as a team. Better teamwork!”
The defining match for Magna?
“The first match, obviously. They are a good team and well coordinated. Exypnos is probably the rate-limiting game. Let’s see what Tenacious will play against Unicus.”
🔴 Tenacious—The Cup Kings Aiming for the Crown
Champions of the Wale Okediran Cup, Tenacious returns with fire in their bellies—and Obindo’s words make it clear they aren’t resting on past laurels.
“They said we had no chance of winning Wale Okediran till we won it. Tenacious is the name, and tenacity is our slogan.”
With the league offering a different kind of challenge, the coach sees both pressure and opportunity:
“There’s obviously some expectation, and that breeds pressure, but we can always use that pressure to breed momentum.”
Their eyes are on consistency this time.
“Consistency starts from day one. The goal is to win from day one. We’re doing things behind closed doors to ensure team success.”
That recent loss against Exypnos in the Super Cup still lingers, but it won’t derail their mission.
“It was a ‘was’ and will remain a ‘was.’ Regarding meeting again, it’s not an if; it’s a when. You’ll see changes made to combat the threat posed by their flying winger—Tolu—and solid DM—Van Dijk.”
And as for their trump card?
“All our players are integral. The midfield is the most star-studded position in my team. As for who is going to be the star man when the league starts… Come, watch the league and find out.”
⚪ Unicus – Running Out of Time, but Not of Hope
Coach: Bankole Timileyin Joseph
For Unicus, the clock is ticking—but their coach believes this could finally be their year.
“The Unicus Medicos team is the best ball-playing team in the league,” he says with conviction.
With only two IFLs left before graduation, the stakes have never been higher.
“The team is under a lot of pressure, but it won’t deter us. It serves as rocket fuel, ready to propel Unicus to the top of the league.”
What’s changed?
“This season, we are bringing all the firepower we have missed over the years. The Unicus team is eager to score many goals and win each match with a landslide victory.”
But one fixture stands out for Unicus:
“Unicus vs. Exypnos. This team won the last IFL amidst various taunts. Exypnos have done a number to us over the years, and we are eager to hand them the best farewell gift in the form of a loss.”
And what will it take?
“Discipline, team intelligence, and resilience. We already have the quality. We only have two IFLs to go, and we are eager to claim both. The unicorns are coming—and God be with the players who will have to suffer as we blaze through each fixture with sheer determination.”
🟢 Exypnos – Tactical Mastery and Legacy
Coach: Victor “Cupid” Adewumi
The reigning champions and two-time title holders, Exypnos, speak last but loudest. Known for tactical brilliance, Exypnos blends Tuchel’s blueprint with adaptive genius.
“Exypnos football philosophy is primarily of the ‘Thomas Tuchel’ school of thought, though we borrow ideas from all top football coaches. The team believes in tactical flexibility and approaching every game based on the opponent. You have seen the versatility in the team, especially with our players as they can play multiple positions. I believe in keeping possession and not losing the ball, and when you do, you win it back immediately, with particular emphasis on winning the ball higher up the pitch. If your opponents don’t have the ball, you can’t concede a goal.”
On motivation despite their success:
“Well, I believe the team do not need extra motivation before they give their all on the pitch. If they do, then they shouldn’t be in the team. The team is a collective and we have one voice, one spirit, one passion and that’s to leave med school in the best way possible, football-wise.”
Threats to their reign?
“This is football and anything can happen. IFUMSA is made up of several capable teams, each with their unique strengths and any of the teams in the competition can win the league. We will try our best to make sure we retain the title.”
Is this squad stronger than last season’s?
“Yes, I believe the team is stronger. We have new additions to the team. We have Augustine Paul (Pablo), Ajayi Damilare (DML), all good players that are ready to give their all for the team.”
What would a three-peat mean for the legacy?
“It’s just business as usual. We’ve won it all. There is nothing to prove again, really. We are the best team in the history of IFUMSA, and our legacy is already cemented with or without the trophy, but yea, doing it again with the boys with our hectic part 6 schedule is going to be an icing on our already delicious cake.”
🎯 The Stage is Set
First Round — May 17
- Unicus vs Tenacious
- Impavidus vs Exypnos
- Magna vs Invictus
Second Round — May 24
- Invictus vs Unicus
- Exypnos vs Tenacious
- Impavidus vs Magna
Third Round — May 31
- Unicus vs Exypnos
- Invictus vs Impavidus
- Tenacious vs Magna
Fourth Round — June 7
- Impavidus vs Unicus
- Magna vs Exypnos
- Tenacious vs Invictus
Fifth Round — June 15
- Unicus vs Magna
- Impavidus vs Tenacious
- Exypnos vs Invictus
The battle for IFUMSA football supremacy is about to explode —don’t blink, or you’ll miss the magic. MediVoice will be live on the ground, bringing you every twist, turn, drama, and goal as IFL 4.0 kicks off in style. In IFL 4.0, only the undefeated, the fearless, the mighty, the relentless, the unique, and the clever will survive.
This report is being updated. Refresh for more exclusive IFL content. Also, check out the thrills of IFL 2.0.
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