Super Eagles interim Manager, Coach Austine Eguavoen, Felix Owolabi (OwoBlow) and Mutiu Adepoju have joined the list of Ex-internationals who have confirmed their attendance for Akpakomiza Novelty match
The novelty match in celebration of Senator Monday Okpebholo’s swearing-in as Governor of Edo state is scheduled for November 11 at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin City.
Frank Ilaboya, the spokesperson of the Organisers made this known in Benin Saturday evening; “We are excited to announce that Coach Eguavoen, Felix Owolabi, and Mutiu Adepoju are storming Benin City for the match.
“We are truly excited because their coming will add color and glamour to the match. The trio has swelled the number of ex-internationals to eight.
Edo State football fans will, therefore, have so much to savor with these iconic names in Nigeria coming to feature in the match, Frank Ilaboya, one-time Chairman of Edo State Football Association, added.
For Coach Eguavoen, the novelty match offers another opportunity to reconnect with fans and friends in a relaxing atmosphere.
“As a son of the soil, I feel excited to be part of this novelty match. I always feel great going home to my dear state especially when it concerns football.
“Everyone knows the role Edo State plays in Nigeria Sports, especially football, and I think it is important to make this statement whenever an opportunity of this nature comes up.
“So, I want to commend the organizers for coming up with this wonderful idea of welcoming the incoming Governor with a novelty match. I understand the Governor-Elect is a sports-loving person, and this will allow him to witness at close quarters the power and influence of football in social re-engineering of our youths,” the ex-Eagles captain further added.
OwoBlow, as he was fondly called during his heyday, is equally elated to be part of this wonderful opportunity to reconnect with my fans in Benin and its environs.
“I have always had fond memories of Edo State right from my playing days. So, I am looking forward to another great moment on November 11th.
“With wonderful friends like the outgoing Deputy Governor, Philip, and my long-standing friend, Frank Ilaboya, I cannot afford to miss out on that day.”
Amongst the Ex-internationals already signed up for the match are Baldwin Bazuaye, London 2012 Olympic goalkeeper Ambrose Vanzekin, and Peter Obanor; others are Tony Emediofu, fondly called Poropo, Roland Ewere, and Prince Oritsuwa Afejuku.
The novelty match, which is part of the activities lined up for the swearing-in ceremony of the Governor-Elect, comes up on Monday, November 11, at the Prestigious Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.