The maiden edition of the Edo Conference League came to a memorable end on Sunday, 7th December 2025, at Iyoba Girls College, Ugbowo, Benin City, with St Andrews FC emerging as champions after an outstanding all-around performance throughout the tournament.
St Andrews FC finished their campaign unbeaten, winning eight matches and drawing one to end the season with 25 points. They scored 19 goals and did not concede a single goal in all nine games, an incredible defensive record that defined their dominance in the league.
This first edition of the Edo Conference League featured 45 matches and produced 126 goals, delivering excitement for fans, players and football lovers across the state.
Westgate FC finished as runners-up with 22 points, backed by a strong attack that produced 23 goals while conceding six. Rangers FC secured third place with 18 points, followed by Shavik FC with 16 points and Worshippers FC with 14 points.
Elite Babel Boys FC, Powerhouse FC, Genesis FC and Etete FA occupied the 6th to 9th positions respectively, while Living Voices FC finished in 10th place with two points.
Individual honours added more colour to the final day of the season. Elijah Opaleye of Westgate FC finished as the highest goal scorer with eight goals in nine matches and was also named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. St Andrews FC’s goalkeeper, Tijany Suleiman, earned the Best Goalkeeper Award after keeping six clean sheets and playing a vital role in his team’s unbeaten run.
The closing ceremony enjoyed a massive turnout from spectators and football enthusiasts. Dignitaries present included the Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, Mr Fred Newton Erhunwense; the Chairman of the Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Mr Felix Evbodi; the Sporting Director of St Andrews FC, Mr Saturday Okao; the Chairman of Dynamo Academica FC, Mr Harrison Okaka; and the Chairman of Westgate FC, Mr Seun. Their presence added value to what was a proud moment for grassroots football in Edo State.
The league also enjoyed partnership support from Ivie Table Water, which contributed to the success of this maiden edition.
League Chairman, Dr Nathaniel Gaye on behalf of the Local Organising Committee, expressed his sincere appreciation to all the teams that took part in this maiden edition of the Edo Conference League, stating that their commitment, hard work and discipline ensured that they had a competitive and exciting tournament from start to finish.
“I also want to thank the dignitaries who honoured our invitation and stood with us today. Your support means a lot to the growth of football at the grassroots level in our state.”
“Our appreciation also goes to all media platforms and personalities who have followed this league, covered our games and helped spread the message of what we are building. You remain a vital part of this project.”
“The purpose of the Edo Conference League is simple: to grow and develop players. This is why we always put the players first, and everything we do revolves around creating opportunities for them to improve and show their talent.”
“We are already looking forward to the second edition next year. Our plans include increasing the number of participating teams and securing more valuable sponsorship and partnerships to make the league even bigger and better.”
“Once again, thank you all for believing in this vision. The future of football in Edo State is bright, and together, we will continue to build on this foundation.”