Edo FA hunts Super Eagles talent, as Oba Ewuare II’s 10th coronation tournament kicks off Oct 12

The Edo State Football Association (Edo FA) is targeting emerging talents for Bendel Insurance and Nigeria’s Super Eagles as eight teams prepare to battle for honours in the 10th Coronation Anniversary Football Tournament of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

The week-long competition, organised in partnership with QSL Gas and Power, will run from October 12 to 18, 2026, in Benin City, combining grassroots talent discovery with youth empowerment and the celebration of Benin’s rich cultural heritage.

Edo FA Chairman, Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, said the tournament underscores the association’s commitment to developing young footballers and creating opportunities for them to advance to higher levels of the game.

He spoke at the draws and press parley held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, which attracted football stakeholders, sponsors, team representatives and journalists.

Erhunmwunse described Oba Ewuare II, the Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku-Akpọlọkpọlọ, as a revered custodian of Benin history, culture and tradition whose commitment to the welfare and advancement of Edo people, particularly the youth, remained a source of inspiration.

“The Edo FA is particularly honoured to associate this tournament with the 10th Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin.

“As an Association, we recognise that our responsibility goes beyond organizing competitions. We are committed to creating opportunities through which young footballers can develop their talents, acquire discipline, gain valuable competitive experience and contribute positively to their communities,” he said.

The chairman described the competition as the association’s contribution to celebrating the monarch’s milestone while advancing football development and empowering young people.

“Our own way of celebrating His Royal Majesty through football is this tournament, and we believe that at the end of the day His Royal Majesty will be happy with football development in Edo State and youths will be empowered also.

“This is one of the many tournaments Edo FA is organizing, and I believe that as the tournament begins, we will have good football games and discover talents that will represent not only Bendel Insurance in Edo State, but also talents that will represent Nigeria’s Super Eagles,” Erhunmwunse emphasised.

He thanked Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his support for sports development and youth empowerment, while commending the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, the commission’s board and management for their contributions to the growth of sports in the state.

Erhunmwunse also acknowledged QSL Gas and Power, the participating teams and other partners for supporting the initiative.

Speaking on behalf of the sponsor, Mr. Femi Oyeleye congratulated Oba Ewuare II on his 10th Coronation Anniversary and paid tribute to the monarch. He commended the state government’s development efforts and praised the Edo FA for promoting football across the state, reaffirming the company’s commitment to sports and community-focused initiatives.

Dignitaries at the event included Chief Barrister Osahon Aimiuwu and his wife, Princess (Mrs.) Ikuoyemwen Ewuare-Aimiuwu, the Ubvi N’Okhua of the Benin Kingdom, as well as Chief Ogiemwense Ewaise and his wife. Football administrators, stakeholders and media representatives also attended.

The event featured the official draw for the eight teams and the presentation of jerseys to participating sides by QSL Gas and Power.

*Eight teams, seven LGAs in title race*

The competition will feature teams representing Oredo, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwode, Ovia South West, Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia North East and Egor, with Oredo fielding two sides.

All group-stage matches will take place at the NIPOST Field, Egor, from Monday, October 12, to Wednesday, October 14.

*Group-stage fixtures*

– 9:00 a.m. — Oredo 1 vs Oredo 2

– 11:00 a.m. — Orhionmwon vs Uhunmwode

– 1:00 p.m. — Ovia South West vs Ikpoba-Okha

– 3:00 p.m. — Ovia North East vs Egor

– 9:00 a.m. — Oredo 2 vs Orhionmwon

– 11:00 a.m. — Uhunmwode vs Oredo 1

– 1:00 p.m. — Ikpoba-Okha vs Ovia North East

– 3:00 p.m. — Egor vs Ovia South West

– 9:00 a.m. — Oredo 2 vs Uhunmwode

– 11:00 a.m. — Orhionmwon vs Oredo 1

– 1:00 p.m. — Ikpoba-Okha vs Egor

– 3:00 p.m. — Ovia North East vs Ovia South West

The semi-finals will hold on Friday, October 16, at the NIPOST Field, Egor. The winner of Group A will face the runner-up of Group B at 9:00 a.m., while the winner of Group B will meet the runner-up of Group A at 11:00 a.m.

The tournament will climax on Sunday, October 18, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

The third-place match between the losing semi-finalists will kick off at 11:00 a.m., ahead of the grand finale at 2:00 p.m., when the two semi-final winners will battle for the title.

Beyond the trophy, the competition offers emerging footballers an opportunity to impress talent scouts and strengthen their prospects of progressing to elite football, as the Edo FA seeks to translate grassroots investment into future prospects for Bendel Insurance and the national team.