The long-awaited maiden edition of the Benin Unity Cup kicks off today in Benin City, promising football excitement and a strong show of political and community support as dignitaries converge on the Crescent Sports Club Complex for the opening ceremony and first match.
The tournament will begin at 3 pm with a colourful ceremony, followed by Ovia North-East and Ikpoba-Okha facing off in the opening fixture, according to the Organising Committee, chaired by Fred Erhunmwunse, who also leads the Edo Football Association. The event marks a significant step in efforts to strengthen grassroots football and foster unity across Edo communities.
Governor Monday Okpebholo is expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour, underscoring the state government’s backing for the new competition. Other dignitaries on the guest list include Deputy Governor Rt Hon Dennis Idahosa; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Blessing Agbebaku; the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele; and Commissioner for Youth, Charity Amanyaemwo.
The tournament’s sponsor and vision bearer, Senator Neda Imasuen, will also be on ground to perform the ceremonial kick-off, signalling what organisers hope will become a major annual sporting event in Edo State.
Following today’s fixture, the competition will resume on Saturday with multiple group-stage matches involving the participating local government teams. The semi-finals are slated for 13 December, while the third-place match and grand finale will take place on 20 December at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
As anticipation builds, football enthusiasts across the State see the Benin Unity Cup not just as a contest for honours, but as a platform to discover new talents, deepen communal bonds, and re-energise grassroots sports in Edo — setting the tone for what many hope will become a permanent fixture in the state’s football calendar.
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