The maiden edition of the Kada Unity Cup for paramilitary agencies in Edo State, with the aim of bringing synergy among security agencies climaxed on Saturday, February 10, 2024, as The Nigerian Police Force football team emerged Champions.
The Nigerian Police football team defeated Christian Sport Club 3-1 in a keenly contested match that kept fans all over the Lucky Igbinedion Mini Stadium on their toes.
The match had several dramatic moments as both teams displayed vigorous intentions to win the match and be crowned champions of the maiden football tournament.
The Nigerian Police football team took advantage of the first half defensive error by Christian Sport Club to put the ball at the back of the net to take the lead and then doubled their lead few minutes later.
Christian Sport Club pulled one back at the resumption of second half through the penalty spot, but The Nigerian Police football team restored their twos goal lead before the end of regulation time with a brilliant solo display that ended up as a goal from their veteran skipper.
Similarly, The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC) came from a one goal down to beat Federal Fire Service 3-1 to secure the third place match.
Federal Fire Service took an early lead in the first half, before NSCDC found the back of the net twice with an header from the corner kick in the first half. The boys for NSCDC scored one goal in the second half to close the game, and handed themselves victory over Federal Fire Service by becoming the third place match winners.
Meanwhile, the Kada Unity Cup closing kick was done by the former Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, who is the host of the tournament, just before the final match between Nigerian Police and Christian Sport Club started.
Addressing Journalist shortly after the final match, His Excellency, Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, said he is very delighted to see a successful tournament come to a close. He commended all the teams that took part in the maiden edition of the competition.
In his words, “You can see how excited everybody are. I, in particular am very excited to see a successful tournament coming to a close. There have been fair games and everybody has truly enjoyed themselves.
“All the matches were fairly contested, the police gave a good account of themselves in the field of play, and I commend every other team that took part in the tournament”.
Also, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adeboye, described the Police football team victory as a welcome gift for him to Edo State, he commended the team and promises to reward them.
CP Adeboye said, “I feel great by the victory of the Police football team, it’s a good welcome for me to Edo State Police command and i find it very great that the best team, the Nigerian Police team emerge as winners.
CP Funsho Adeboye commended His Excellency, Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion for bringing synergy among the security agencies in the state through the Kada Unity Cup.
According to the CP “It’s a great thing to unite all the security forces, so that we can get together and make sure that Edo State is peaceful.”
Similarly, Edo State Controller of Immigration, Uba Waziri, described the tournament as a very good initiative and commended Lucky Igbinedion for a wonderful event and congratulated the winner.
According to the Waziri, “The tournament is interesting, it is a very good one and infact we are delighted to have such a wonderful competition that has come and gone and we are happy to be part of it.”
In the same vein, the coach of The Nigerian Police winning team, Inspector Iguma Odion, appreciated his players for winning the trophy and also commended the organisers for putting the football tourney together.
He specifically thanked His Excellency, Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion for hosting such a wonderful tournament and also appreciated the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adeboye, for giving them the privilege to participate in the tournament which they won. The Police coach stated that his team will come out much better and stronger in the next edition.
Meanwhile, prizes ranging from different amount, trophies, medals, were presented to the winner, runner up and the third place team, as all the participating teams were presented with a ball each.
Cash award were presented to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Highest Goal Scorer of the tournament. With MVP going to Umoru of FRSC and the Highest Goal Scorer going to Thomas of NSCDC who scored 3 goals in the competition.
The football final match witnessed a lot of crowd from paramilitary personnel and civilians, as the Lucky Igbinedion Mini Stadium located at Etete GRA, Benin City the Edo State capital, was full to capacity with guests and jubilant fans who came to support their teams and enjoyed the beautiful game of football.
