Edo FA to Host Igbinedion Cup in Honour of Esama of Benin’s 90th Birthday

To commemorate the 90th birthday of the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Edo State Football Association is organizing an invitational football tournament for veterans in the state, platinumnewsng.com is reporting.

During the media briefing and draw held at the media center of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Friday, August 16, Edo FA Chairman Fred Erhunmwense expressed that the tournament is a way to say thank you for all that Chief Igbinedion has done and continues to do.

“We are celebrating a loving legend, the Lion of Okada. Many of us grew up hearing about his exploits, and now some of us witness them firsthand. As football stakeholders in Edo State, this is one of the ways we can honour him as he turns 90 on September 11, 2024,” said Erhunmwense.

The tournament will take place from August 23rd to 30th, 2024, with the curtain-raiser featuring a match between the Edo SWAN team and the Ex-Bendel Insurance Players team on the final day.

Medals will be awarded to the top three teams, with the tournament winner taking home a trophy and a star prize of ₦500,000. The first runner-up will receive ₦300,000 and third place team, ₦200,000.

Fixtures:

GROUP A
Igbinedion Utd vs Uphill Veterans
Crescent Sports Club vs Edo All Stars

GROUP B
UBTH Staff Team vs Uzebu All Stars
Uwa All Stars vs Panther FC