The 2025 edition of the Edo State Football Association Cup was a glamorous end for Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens Football Clubs of Benin after recording a sound victory over their opponents in the finals.
The finals, which took place Sunday, February 23rd at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, had the third-place match between Delight FC and BJ Foundation FC as the curtain raiser — a game won by Delight FC as a walkover of BJ Foundation FC, who failed to show for the game.
The women’s finals saw Fortress Ladies face off against defending champions Edo Queens. Fortress Ladies deployed a high-line tactic, which initially posed threats for Edo Queens; however, the Nigerian Women League defending champions took the lead courtesy of an own goal through a deflected Goodness Osigwe’s fine cross.
In the second half, Edo Queens made tactical changes and created more scoring opportunities. Mary Mamudu scored the second goal and later added a brace to seal a 3-0 victory for Edo Queens, successfully defending their title.
The highly anticipated men’s finals between Bendel Insurance and Assemblies of God FC followed the women’s match. The game was intense, with both teams searching for an early goal. Bendel Insurance’s Akpikpi Vincent scored the opening goal, giving his side a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Bendel Insurance made changes and pushed for another goal. A penalty was awarded after a bad tackle, and Meyiwa calmly converted it to give Bendel Insurance a 2-0 lead. Osahon Osoboh added a third goal, securing a 3-0 victory for Bendel Insurance to retain the FA Cup title.
Bendel Insurance dominated the game, with 16 shots, 9 on target, and 63% possession, while Assemblies of God FC had 11 shots, 4 on target, and 37% possession.
The conclusion of the Edo State FA Cup 2025 was followed by an awards ceremony, honouring outstanding teams and individuals in both the women’s and men’s categories.
Women’s Category Awards:
Best Coach: Omonuwa Enoma (Bravehearts Ladies FC)
Best Goalkeeper: Etim Sunday (Edo Queens)
Highest Goal Scorer: Ramat Zuberu (Bravehearts Ladies FC)
Most Valuable Player: Aisosa Okundia (Fortress Ladies FC)
Men’s Category Awards:
Best Coach: Wilson Aiwaguore (Delight FC)
Best Goalkeeper: Peter James (Assemblies of God FC)
Highest Goal Scorer: Promise Ugiagbe (BJ FC)
Most Valuable Player: Kayode Oke (Bendel Insurance)