All is now set for the final match and closing ceremony of the prestigious 2nd edition of the Oba of Benin Under 18 football tournament in Benin City.
Put together by the Edo State Football Association, 19 teams started the journey on December 10th, 2024, at the Cresent Sports Club ground, Irhirhi, with only two teams left to decide the winner of the 2nd edition of the tournament in honour of the His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare 11, the Oba of Benin.
Rave of the moment, Irex Sports FC, powered through enterprising BJ FC 5-4 on penalties after both teams failed to score at regulation time to reach the final match, while the second semi final clash saw delightful Delight FC of Benin City taking out hard fighting Rockers FC 2-0 to qualify for the final battle.
Chairman Edo Football Association, Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, disclosed that the third place encounter between BJ FC and Rockers FC will take place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium by 1pm while the final match between Irex Sports FC and Delight FC is slated for 3pm at same venue. Both games are scheduled for Thursday, December 26th, 2024.
The winner of the 2nd edition of the Oba of Benin Under 18 football tournament will smile home with the sum of N1.5 million, with the runner up receiving N750.000.00 and the third placed winner rewarded with the sum of N500.000.00.
There are other souvenirs to go with the winning prizes, such as medals, trophies, MVP, top scorer, best goalkeeper, best coach and many others courtesy of cup donor and sponsor, Michael Ogbebor(Obanta) who also promised to reward the organisers of the tournament.
The annual football carnival is to celebrate the annual Igue Festival with the Oba of Benin and the people of Edo State and also to encourage grassroots football development in the state.
Expected at the closing event is the cup donor and sponsor of the tournament, Michael Ogbebor(Obanta) and his wife, Mrs Vera Ogbebor, palace chiefs and members of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon Frank Ilabaya, Baldwin Bazuaye(MON) and Barrister Anthony Ikuenobe.
Other special guests expected to grace the ceremony include Hon. Esosa Iyawe, House of Representatives member representing Oredo Federal Constituency; some ex-Nigeria internationals, Edo FA Head Coach, Pastor Osayomonre Aghahowa; board members and staff of Edo FA amongst others.
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