Friends and associates have finalized plans to organize a novelty/victory football match to usher in the new Government of Edo State as part of the activities for the inauguration/swearing-in ceremony of the Edo State Governor-Elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
The spokesman for the organisers of the Akpakomiza and Friends Novelty/Victory match, Honourable Frank Ilaboya disclosed in a statement on Wednesday in Benin City during a press briefing to herald the much anticipated upcoming football match.
Ilaboya, the CEO of one of the leading sports production organisations in Nigeria, Sportsville Communications, said Akpakomiza & Friends Novelty/Victory match is being organised to usher in the incoming Governor of Edo State in a grand style.
The football match, which will be played at the Prestigious Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, on Sunday, November 10, will kick off at 4:00 pm
“The incoming Governor is a youthful and sports-loving personality, and we feel that there is no better time to show this, hence this novelty match,” Ilaboya said.
“The good news is that the Governor-Elect and his Deputy are very enthusiastic about this match and are looking forward to it with glee. They will also be showcasing their football skills on that day.
“Their numerous friends and associates are also keying into it. So, the stage is set for a very exciting novelty match come November 10,” he noted.
Ilaboya, a one-time Edo Football Association (Edo FA) Chairman and a two-time Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigerian (SWAN), Lagos State, also disclosed the involvement of some top former Nigeria internationals in the novelty match.
“As I am talking to you we have Ex- internationals that are coming to play this match. Most of them are our sons who are going to be led by the coach of the Super Eagles, Austin Eguavoen, Bright Omokaro, Samson Ozogula, Mutiu Adepoju, Felix Owolabi, Baldwin Bazuaye, Peter Obanor, Ambrose Vanzekin, Prince Oritsuwa Afejuku and one time Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Giannis.
“They are so eager and excited to take to the pitch once again in what promises to be a reunion of some sort,” he said.
He added that for Coach Eguavoen, the novelty match offers another opportunity to reconnect with fans and friends in a convivial atmosphere.
“Top football and sports personalities in the country are also expected to come to celebrate with the incoming Governor.
“The novelty match will feature Akpakomiza X1 versus a mixture of former Nigeria international stars and other football enthusiasts,” Ilaboya added.
The official inuaguration of Senateor Monday Okpebholo led administration holds on Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State.
