The maiden Asue Ighodalo Unity Gold Cup came to a close on Friday, December 22, 2023 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City with team Edo South lifting the trophy after a 3-1 penalty victory over Edo Central.
The entertaining final match had ended in a 1-1 stalemate at the end of 90 minutes of regulation time after a late goal from Achipen Eden (94 minutes) had cancelled 36 minutes Friday Omoregie’s leading goal for Team Edo South, before the shootout.
The Unity Gold Cup, sponsored by a renowned banker and international investor Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who is also aspiring to govern Edo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2024, according to the organisers is put together as part of the sponsor’s contributions to the unity and peace in the state as well as for the social reawakening of the youth.
The competition began on Wednesday, 20th December with Team Edo South, Team Edo Central and Team Edo North participating.
The winners, Edo South, went home with the trophy and the star prize of N250,000; while the runners up Edo Central and third-placed team Edo North received N150,000 and N100,000 respectively for their efforts.
Speaking after the presentation of the trophy, Dr. Ighodalo said that his love for sports and football in particular informed his decision to sponsor the tournament.
“We have sports talents in Edo State and all we need to do is to encourage them to build the spirit of responsibility and competition which will strengthen and prepare them for the future.
“I am impressed with what I have seen; the organization by the Edo FA. We will continue to do more in supporting sports development in our state,” Dr. Ighodalo assured .
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