In a thrilling exhibition match, a team of ex-Bendel Insurance players Friday morning held the Edo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to a barren draw. The encounter served as a curtain raiser for the Esama of Benin Veterans Cup final.
The friendly match played at the Oti Boutique Hotel, Benin City, saw both teams display impressive skills and sportsmanship.
The ex-Bendel Insurance players, comprising veteran footballers, prominent amongst them were ex-international, Baldwin Bazuaye, former TSG Hoffenheim forward, Peter Obanor, Bendel Insurance secretary, Charles Ihimiekpen (Chico), Edo Queens’ fitness coach, Gabriel Benson, and Edo Queens’ goalkeeper trainer, Adekunle Fagbemi — all showed their experience and prowess on the field.
The Edo SWAN team made up of sports journalists across the state amongst who were Saliu Ibrahim, David Alabi, Kehinde Osagede, Nosa Igunma, Chika Ogbiche, Precious Okueze, Randy Micha, and others, put up a valiant effort, but ultimately settled for a draw.
Edo SWAN had opened the scoring in the 7th minute when Allen Ojeiwa artistically headed in Saliu Ibrahim’s sumptuously delivered cross, but the centre referee ruled it out for offside.
The match which saw was hailed as a success, with both teams receiving praise for their performances by the teeming crowd led by former governor of Edo state, Dr. Lucky Igbinedion
The draw between the ex-Bendel Insurance players and Edo SWAN might see a potential rematch, with fans eagerly anticipating another exciting encounter between the two teams.
Esama Veterans Cup is a football competition organized by Chief Lucky Igbinedion in honour of his father, Chief Sir Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, who clocks 90 years on September 11, 2024.