… as ex-international wins gov’s team in Akpakomiza and friends novelty match
The much anticipated Akpakomiza and Friends novelty/victory match’s ex-international side defeated the governor’s team with a thrilling 2-1 victory in the celebrated game organised to usher in the Governor-elect of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy, Rt Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
The well-attended match was held on Sunday, at the prestigious Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium ahead of Okpebholo and Idahosa’s inauguration / swearing-in ceremony.
The match had in attendance, former Governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomole, and Senator Monday Okpebholo among other All Progressives Congress (APC) political stalwarts.
The match ended in favour of the ex-internationals who showed agility and experience on the pitch.
The Akpakomiza XI opened the scoring line with Idemudia Osakue netting a low left-footed shot, but the ex-international team bounced back as former Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu scored an equalizer and Mutiu Adepoju scored the winner for the team.
Following the end of the novelty match, APC leaders and game officials expressed optimism about the future of Edo sports under the incoming administration.
Shaibu shared his enthusiasm, pledging ongoing dedication to football and other sports.
“By the grace of God, I can bet that football will not die in Edo. We’ve established Edo as a sports hub, and despite recent setbacks, the institution of sports we created is strong.
“I am optimistic the next administration will build on what we’ve done. Insurance will be back, and the fifteen sports we’re developing will be the pride of Edo and Nigeria in the Olympics and African Games,” he said.
Shaibu added that he remains committed as Chairman of Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens and reaffirmed his ambition to revive the glory days of Edo’s sports.
On his part, the Chairman of All the Progressives Congress in the State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe said, “Better days are ahead for Edo State sports.
“This is the first time a new governor’s inauguration is being celebrated with a football match, which speaks volumes about his commitment to sports”.
Pastor Comrade Jude Isibor, Deputy Director Admin, Edo Transformation Agenda, and Media Aide to Hon. Dr. Felix Akhabue also emphasised the incoming governor’s focus on youth empowerment.
“The interest displayed in this event shows where the heart lies. The cardinal point of the incoming administration is to empower the youth through football, which is one of the games, if not number one, that brings unity among the youth,” Isibor said.
“Apart from that, there’s something you call the lost glory of the then Bendel Insurance, the team used to be the best, we produced renowned international footballers. This will be an avenue to bring the young ones interested in football,” he added.
These declarations of support and excitement come just hours before the inauguration ceremony, signaling a promising future for Edo sports and a renewed dedication to youth engagement and talent development across the state.
