Amaju Pinnick commends organizers
Barely seven days before the much anticipated Novelty Match in honour of the incoming Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpeblolo and Deputy Governor, Rt Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the organiser, Monday evening announced a new date for the match.
The traction-generating Novelty Match, with much interest from both the political and football circles, will now come up on Sunday, November 10th, 2024. The earlier advertised date was November 11th, 2024.
The spokesperson of the Organisers, while explaining the reason for the date adjustment, said it was to provide the inauguration sub-committee enough time to prepare the stadium for the event. “There has been a slight adjustment in the date from November 11 to November 10th.”
The Inauguration Committee headed by General Cecil Eseikhaigbe (Retd.) is desirous of putting up a first-class show and has directed the Event and Venue sub-committee to ensure the setting meets world-class standards befitting the Governor-Elect and his Deputy,” Ilaboya added.
Headlining ex-internationals expected to grace the novelty match are Austine Eguavoen, Mutiu Adepoju and Felix Owolabi. Others are Baldwin Bazuaye, Ambrose Vanzekin and Peter Obanor, Tony Emediofu, Roland Ewere and Prince Oritsuwa Afejuku
Edo State outgoing deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu will be leading top government and private functionaries in the novelty game.
Meanwhile, FIFA Council member and former Nigeria Football Federation president, Amaju Pinnick has commended the organisers for coming up with the idea.
Amaju expressed joy that Edo State is starting to use the power of football as a means of social engineering and empowerment.
“It gladens my heart when my good friend and brother, Frank Ilaboya, told me of the novelty match planned to welcome the Governor-Elect of Edo State.
“Honestly, this is the right way to go. I am excited that more and more government functionaries are beginning to key into the power of football as a means of social engineering. The power of football in the empowerment and engagement of youth is second to none. The youth restiveness and underemployment can be wiped out if the powerful tool of football is adequately deployed.
“Kudos to the organisers for this well-thought-out program. I would have loved to be around but I have a prior international engagement for that period,” added the CAF executive member.