Grassroots football aims at uniting people irrespective of their diversity, and in that spirit of unity, Faith Football Club in Benin City the Edo State capital marked its end-of-year celebration with a local tournament involving its Senior Team Members and Junior Team Members.
The novelty match was held at the Nigeria Police AIG Zone 5 Barrack Field, Benin City, on Saturday, February 3. The game seeks to enhance the fitness of players, foster unity among members, and develop grassroots football in Edo State.
The friendly match was all energetic and fun-filled as the Senior Team dominated the first half by scoring twice.
The first goal happened when the defense of the Junior Team came lacking in the 28th minute this was due to a player being brought down close to the penalty yard resulting in a free-kick which Alex Ikponwonsa skillfully converted into a goal.
The second goal came in the 39th minute when hitman John Jatta a.k.a. Machala netted the second from a close range.
Emotions and tensions ran high in the 41st minute of play as John Jatta was given a red card for a scuffle with an opponent.
Norfiu Oyiboke a.k.a Man from Benfica, a right full back of Faith FC Senior Team demonstrated exceptional skill, shooting in a powerful cross that almost led to a goal in the 45th minute, thanks to the Junior Team’s goalie. Norfiu is a spectacular player who has invested much in the development of the club.
The second half commenced with an impressive comeback from the Junior Team which resulted in a wonderful brace from Tope Sunday in the 48th and 53rd minutes, with Aforfor Eugene assisting in the latter.
In the 60th minute, the Senior Team bounced back via a penalty converted to a superb goal by Elema Marvis, who also doubles as Chairman of the end-of-year celebration.
The Junior Team responded to level the score line 3 – 3 with an equalizer in the 67th minute by Owen Idemudia’s wonderful finish with an assist from Enoma Jeffery who also bagged the Man of the Match Award.
It was far from over as the Senior Team proved their superiority over their Juinor Counterpart as Emmanuel Tyson finally sealed the victory 4-3 for the big boys.
Blessing Anthony, the referee of the day, blew the final whistle to signal the end of the game as the celebration of the day fully commenced, with end-of-year party after party.
The Secretary General of the Club, Mr. Isioma Okolo, while speaking to the Nigerian Observer Sport correspondents said, “The club has been in existence as far back as 2012 and we train every Saturday at the same venue, 8 am.”
Mr. Isioma Okolo further stated that Faith FC sometimes fix friendly matches with neighbouring clubs either home or away.
Earlier, in his opening remark, the Chairman of Faith FC, Bakumor Egbimani said, “The aim of the club is discovering new talents from the grassroots, and seeing how they can drive their progress.”
He further noted that Faith FC is registered with CAC, and in the process of registering with the Edo Football Association and Nigeria Football Federation.
On the issue of funding, he said members pay dues to keep the club going, and some financial supports come from the club’s patrons as well.
On his part, the passionate Vice President of Faith FC, Jolomi Omagbemi, a prolific mid-field player who has committed his time, talent, efforts, and resources since inception towards the continual growth of the club, stated that grassroots football development is extremely important to a sporting state like Edo.
“When grassroots football is delivered well, it will create immense value and develop more talents for Edo State and Nigeria in the years to come,” Jolomi said.
The Vice President of Faith FC seized the opportunity to commend the Governor Godwin Obaseki–led administration’s laudable developmental strides in the Sports space of Edo State while encouraging grassroots sporting activities across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.
Ace comedian, actor, and musician, Maleke Idowu Moye, a member of the club who featured as one of the Senior Team players said, “It is an end-of-year celebration match and an avenue to keep fit and stay healthy.”
Maleke was substituted in the second half after sustaining a minor injury in the field of play.
In the spirit of sportsmanship, Kenneth Obanor, a representative of AI 24 Vanguard, a frontline group for Dr. Asue Ighodalo, a PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) Governorship aspirant in Edo State, said, “Dr. Asue Ighodalo, if elected will greatly develop grassroots sports, creating an enabling environment for all.”
Kenneth Obanor emphasized Barr. Asue Ighodalo’s pledge to sustainable development in all sectors of Edo State, and the need for a ‘door to door’ enlightenment to ensure he succeeds.
Obanor further stated, “The man wey Sabi has pledged continuity of the legacy set by past leaders like Dr. S.O Ogbemudia, I hereby call for the support of the masses.”
