In an atmosphere created to encourage synergy among security operatives in Edo State, the opening ceremony of Kada Unity Cup for paramilitary personnel was held on Tuesday, at the Lucky Igbinedion Mini Stadium, Etete, Benin City, the State Capital.
The first day of the competition saw two quarter final games decided, with the first match ending on penalty shootout and the second match ending on normal regulation time.
In the first quarter final match that took place at 9am, Christian Sport Club defeated Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) 8-7 on penalties after playing 3-3 at full-time.
The match between Christian Sport Club and FRSC saw the likes of Ex-Nigerian International, Baldwin Bazuaye, and other players produced action filled game with lots of exciting and dramatic moments as halftime ended 2 all draw before both teams pulled one goal each in the second half.
Similarly, in the second quarter final match that took place at 4pm, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC) defeated Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) 2-1.
The match between NSCDC and NIS witnessed some exciting moments with less dramatic action as both teams scored the three goals of the day during first half of play, with no goals scored during the second half.
Addressing Journalists after the match, former Governor
of Edo State, Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, described the game as very exciting, very engaging and encouraging. He expressed delight regarding the Unity Cup as one event that has brought everyone together.
“Today’s match has been very exciting, very engaging and encouraging. I’m glad that we are having this Unity Cup, bringing everybody together in happiness and oneness, it is a good event,” Lucky Igbinedion remarked.
Chief Igbinedion said the calibre of players he saw on the pitch can actually play for the Nigeria National team. He appreciated their professionalism, and described the players as very enthusiastic and full of energy.
He encourage all teams to put on the spirit of sportsmanship, fairness, equity and fairplay as the competition is all about playing for joy, so everyone could enjoy.
The former Governor commended the teams and all the head of the paramilitary agencies in Edo State that showed up to support their teams.
He said, “I must commend both teams that started off the competition, and above all, I commend all the head of different paramilitary units that have showed up to support their teams and I’m sure this is bringing about the unity that we envisage.”
On his part, the former Nigerian International, Baldwin Bazuaye, MON, who won the Under-17 FIFA World Cup with Nigeria in 1985, in China, and had 16 caps with the Super Eagles of Nigeria, commended His Excellency, Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion for creating an opportunity and atmosphere that brought the participants together.
Baldwin Bazuaye featured for Christian Sport Club and his team defeated FRSC on penalties to reach the semi final.
“I feel great and happy because our club is now in the semi finals, so we look forward to go all the way to the final and win the trophy,” Bazuaye said.
The former Nigerian International commended the organisers for putting up such a wonderful sport event and urge them to keep it up.
Speaking to The Nigerian Observer, Coach of Christian Sport Club, Lucky Omorotionwan, Ex-Bendel Insurance skipper, Ex-Niger Tornadoes and Ex-First Bank of Lagos Superstar, described the game as highly contested, interesting and intriguing.
Omorotionwan commended his players for putting up a fighting spirit that saw them win their match against FRSC to secure the semi final spot of the competition. He affirmed his team’s readiness to take on any team that comes their way in the semi final.
Coach Omorotionwan commended His Excellency, Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion for organizing the paramilitary competition that has brought synergy to various security agencies in Edo State.
Also speaking, Coach of FRSC, who is an Assistant Corp Commander, described the match as fine and exciting game, with his players determined to win but that was not to be as they lost to Christian sport club on penalty shootout after playing three all draw om regulation time.
He appreciated the performance of his players despite the loss “Well they did perfectly well and everyone can attest to that, am impress despite the fact that i lost, my tram lost gallantly.
The FRSC coach commended the Organisers of the Kada Unity Cup for putting up such a tournament that brought Uniform men in Edo State together.
Similarly, the coach of NSCDC, CSP Frank Osuma, described the performance of his team as excellent despite the fact that they are not professional footballers. He commended his players for putting up their best performance that saw them beat Nigeria Immigration 2-1 to proceed to the semi finals, were they will battle Christian Sport Club, winner of the first match of the day on a later date.
Coach CSP Osuma commended the organisers for putting up the competition as it has brought about synergy among the security agencies.
The Kada Unity Cup, organised by His Excellency, the former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, has Fast Microfinance Bank, Kada Plaza, Igbinedion University Okada, Independent Television and Radio (ITV) as sponsors.
The event witnessed large turnout of spectators as the venue was filled to capacity with excited and joyous fans who came to watch the matches.
