In commemoration of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom’s 90th birthday, Governor Godwin Obaseki took the final match ceremony kickoff of the maiden edition of the Esama Veterans’ Cup Football Tournament on Friday, August 30, in Benin City, Edo State.
In his speech, the Edo State Government assured the organisers and sponsor of the continuity of the prestigious Esama Veteran’s Football Tournament.
“We will continue to honour this day, we’ll set aside a day every September to keep the competition alive,” Obaseki said.
A curtain raiser match featuring Edo State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (Edo SWAN) against Ex-Bendel Insurance players took place before the start of the final match that saw Crescent Sports Club face off against Uwa All-Stars for the Esama Veterans’ Cup title.
Suffice to mention that the football veterans comprise a team of old football stars who did the Nation proud in their playing days.
The sponsor of the tournament and a two-time Governor of Edo State and the first son of the Esama, Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion said the tournament is in honour of his father, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion on his 90th Birthday.
“Football brings peace, football brings happiness, football brings unity, seeing the joy and happiness in everybody’s face today is a great and preparation for the birthday proper,” Lucky Said
The keenly contested match between Uwa Allstar and Crescent Sports Club ended goalless in regular time, and during the ensuing penalty shootout, it ended Uwa Allstar – 3 and Crescent Sports – 4
The Chairman, Edo State Football Association, Mr. Fred Newton Erhunmunse who on behalf Edo State Football Association presented a special birthday card to the Esama said, “Most of the veterans you see here are as result of the support of the Esama in their playing days, this is an avenue for us to come together and show our solidarity and wish him a superb happy birthday.”
Earlier on Thursday, August 29, UBTH Staff Team defeated Edo All Stars 5-3 on Penalties to emerge as the third-place winner in the maiden edition of the Esama of Benin Veterans’ Cup.
The encounter also ended in a goalless draw after regulation time, pushing the match into a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
In a tense shootout, UBTH Staff Team displayed calmness under pressure, securing a 5-3 victory. The team’s captain, Dr. Scott Omorogbe expressed excitement, noting that clinching third place was a proud achievement in the competitive tournament.
Meanwhile, Player of the Match, Richard Asegbua of Edo All Stars appreciated the opportunity to participate in the tournament and acknowledged the strong competition.
Douglas Idahosa, Chairman, Oredo Local Government Council Football Association also shared his joy at witnessing the event and commended the organisers and sponsor for their efforts in putting together a successful tournament.
