In keeping the memory of late Benin born transport mogul and philanthropist, Mr. Abel Omoruyi, CEO and Founder of Iyare Motors, the family in collaboration with the Edo Football Association(EFA) are organizing a maiden memorial football tournament in his honour. He died on April 27, 2023.
The pre-match and unveiling of the competition took place on Wednesday at the Media Centre of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, with the Chairman of Edo State Football Association, Fred Newton Erhunmwunsee, conducting the draws for the four teams.
The competition, which kicks off on Thursday, will see four teams from Benin City battle it out for the grand price. The teams are Ine Stars, BJ Football Club, Delight Football Academy and Bendel Insurance Feeders.
In the first match, Ine Stars will trade tackles with Bendel Insurance Feeders at 1pm on Thursday, while in the second match, BJ Football Club will be battling Delight Football Academy at 2pm. All matches will take place at Egba Community School Field, Egba in Uhunmwode Local Government Area.
According to the organizers, the winners of both matches will meet on Saturday, for the final while the losers will compete for third-place on Friday.
A grand prize of N500.000 is at stake to be shared among the four teams. The winners go home with N200,000, the second placed team gets N150,000, while third and fourth placed teams will get N100,000 and N50,000 respectively.
Speaking after the unveiling, head coach of Bendel Insurance Feeders, Mr. Stanley Osazee(Coach Sheyi) appreciated the sponsors of the competition, and promised that his team will abide by the rules of the game and be disciplined throughout the competition.
On his part, the Chairman, Nigeria Referees Association(NRA),Edo State Chapter, Mr. Sylvester Okungbowa, thanked the family and the children of late Mr. Abel Omoruyi promising fair and unbiased officiating during the tournament.
Speaking on behalf of the family, one of the sons, Osamede Abel Omoruyi, who was present at the draws ceremony, thanked the Edo FA for their support in helping to organize the tournament in honour of their late father.
“Despite the fact that my late dad was a lover of table tennis, he still loved football. We are happy to be a part of this grassroot football tournament in his honour. Hopefully, we will do this yearly as we celebrate my dad’s memorial and we will increase the number of participants,” Osamede said.
He urged football lovers and Egba people to come out on Saturday for the finals and witness good football.
