Grassroots football: Team Edo South wins Asue Ighodalo Gold Cup

...defeats Team Edo Central 3:1 after PK

Kingsley Abavo, Benin (Managing Editor), Benin

2nd (L); Asue Ighodalo hands over the trophy to captain of Team Edo South, supported by State FA Chairman, Fred Newton Erhunmwunse (R)

Front role, 3rd (R) in white, Asue Ighodalo and State FA Chairman, Fred Newton Erhunmwunse (L) with Team Edo South 

Team Edo South on Friday, 22 December, 2023 lifted the maiden Asue Ighodalo Unity Gold Cup organised for the youths in the State, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin-City.

The game had ended 1-1 in regulation time with the teams going into penalty kick which Team Edo won 2 - 1 against Team Edo Central.

Friday Omoregie scored the curtain raiser for Team Edo South at 36 minutes of play and Achipen Eden equalized for Team Edo Central at the added time of four minutes.

Renowned banker and international investor; also a frontline aspirant for Edo Governorship next year,  Ighodalo, sponsored the competition.

It was put together as part of his contributions to ensuring unity and peace; also social reawakening of the youths in the State, organisers said. 

The competition began on Wednesday, 20th December with Team Edo South, Team Edo Central and Team Edo North.

The winners; Edo South were rewarded with the trophy and cash prize of N250,000; while the runners up; Edo Central 

and third-placed team; Edo North received N150,000 and N100,000 respectively for their efforts.

Speaking after the presentation of the trophy, Ighodalo said that his love for sports and football in particular informed his decision to sponsor the tournament. 

"We have sports talents in Edo State and all we need to do is to encourage them to build the spirit of responsibility and competition which will strengthen and prepare them for the future. 

"I am impressed with what I have seen; the organization by the Edo FA. We will continue to do more in supporting sports development in our State," he assured.

He added that the Edo State Sports Commission should take a closer look at the players with view to preparing for the next national sports festival.

Fred Newton Erhunmwunse Edo FA Chairman, commending the sponsor and all stakeholders for the tournament's success told journalists in an interview that he was satisfied with its quality.

"I am really happy with the organisers for the rules; it was all about grassroots football and that was what we saw here today."

Having promised regular grassroots football competitions coming into office; his administration has a lot more to give the development of the game, he assured.