… as Asuen splashes cash on winners
The maiden Asue Ighodalo Unity Gold Cup ended on Friday, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, with team Edo South lifting the trophy after a 3-1 penalty victory over Edo Central.
The entertaining final match had ended in a 1-1 stalemate at the end of 90 minutes of regulation time after a late goal from Achipen Eden (94 minutes) had canceled Friday Omoregie’s 36 minutes-leading goal for Team Edo South, before the shootout.
According to the organisers, the Unity Gold Cup, sponsored by a renowned banker and international investor, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, is put together as part of the sponsor’s contributions to the unity and peace in Edo State, as well as for the social reawakening of Edo youths.
The competition began on Wednesday, 20th December 2023, with Team Edo South, Team Edo Central, and Team Edo North.
The winners, Team Edo South went home with the trophy and star prize of N250,000; while the runners-up Team 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, the tournament chief sponsor, Dr. Asuen 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,” Dr. Ighodalo said.
The tournament chief sponsor further commended the players of both teams for their spirit of sportsmanship.
“The competition was short-noticed. For all of the Local Governments to get players together, l think it was really good and I’m impressed.
“The standard of the game was high until it got to penalty kicks and l can understand what happened to the players at penalty kicks, l think they were a bit intimidated.
“But, with a bit of coaching, l see that as Edo State we can get our place back in sports, particularly football.
“I saw great talents amongst the players. The goalkeeper for Edo South was marvelous, he could have played for any team.
“Edo Central had a number of interesting midfield players and strikers and l hope the sports commission will look at these players and the players of the other teams and bring them together so that we can get ready for the next sports festival,” Dr. Ighodalo emphasised.
“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.
On his part, the Chairman, Edo Football Association (EFA), Mr. Fred Newton Erhunmwense said, “The two teams played to their strength, just that in a penalty shootout, the better side always wins.
“I want to give kudos to Team Edo Central, they came in today and fatigue also affected them. It’s football, I once played football. You don’t travel on a match day; play the match and return home.
“I know it was a fairly contested game from both sides. Kudos to the goalkeeper who eventually won the Man of the Match of the tournament.
“I want to say a big thank you to everyone that showed support. My Vice Chairman, who is also the Local Organizing Committee Chairman, and other members of the EFA board rallied around this tournament to make sure we ended it today before the commencement of the FA Cup next year.”
