In a thrilling finale, Eminence Football Club of Benin emerged victorious, claiming the 2024 Edo State Football Association League title.
They defeated BIG 100 Football Club of Ekpoma with an impressive 5-2 win at the Crescent Sports Club in Benin City.
A Fiercely Contested Match
Both teams, having defied the odds to reach the final, delivered an electrifying performance that will be remembered for months to come. The match was a testament to their skill, determination, and passion.
BIG 100 captain, George Agazuma sparked the opening goal with a brilliant overhead pass, leading to a fine cross and a powerful strike by Joshua Osebomen, that sent the crowd into rapture
Goals Festival
BIG 100 FC celebration lasted only nine minutes as the lever came ten minutes later. A free kick on meters from the 18-yard ark restored parity for the Benin-based side. Former Bendel Insurance forward, Towo Eventus responded with a stunning free kick in the 27th minute to even the game.
The goals kept coming as midfield wonder kid, Gani Momoh scoring a long-range effort, leaving the BIG 100 goalkeeper helpless for Eminence’s second goal.
As the match intensified, both teams created a flurry of scoring opportunities, but the forwards’ lack of precision prevented them from converting their efforts into goals. Despite this, Eminence FC’s dominance paid off, and they took a well-deserved lead into the halftime break.
However, BIG 100 FC refused to back down. Just eight minutes into the second half, they launched a lightning-fast attack down the left wing, catching Eminence off guard. Captain George’s mesmerizing dribbling skills allowed him to breeze past two defenders, setting up Joshua Osebomen for a straightforward finish. With the goal, BIG 100 FC drew level, reigniting their hopes of a comeback.
BIG 100 FC dominated possession for the next thirteen minutes, but their relentless pressure yielded nothing. Just as they seemed to be gaining momentum, disaster struck. In the 67th minute, Towo Eventus stepped up and delivered a devastating free kick, his second of the match, leaving the BIG 100 FC players reeling. The stadium erupted in a frenzy of cheers and celebration from the Eminence FC camp, while BIG 100 FC was left to ponder the sudden turn of events.
Battle Royale
Undeterred by the deficit, BIG 100 FC continued their relentless pursuit of an equalizer. Their determination almost paid off in the 82nd minute, but Asuquor’s missed sitter proved to be a costly mistake.
The momentum swung decisively in Eminence FC’s favour as they launched a swift counterattack from the resulting goal kick. Gani Omomoh seized the opportunity, receiving a pass from his teammate and deftly navigating between two defenders before slotting the ball past the hapless goalkeeper in the 84th minute.
The goal sealed the fate of BIG 100 FC, leaving them to lament the missed chance and Eminence FC to celebrate their impending victory.
Just as the crowd thought the game was all but over, Eminence FC delivered the final flourish. In the 93rd minute, defender Julius Kingsley rose to meet a pinpoint cross on the left wing, unleashing a powerful header that crashed into the top corner of the net, securing the team’s fifth goal and extinguishing any lingering hopes of a BIG 100 FC revival.
The Crowning
The crowd erupted as Centre Referee Aisosa blew the final whistle, confirming Eminence FC’s triumphant maiden victory as Edo FA League champions.
The team’s jubilant celebrations ensued, capping off an unforgettable match that will be etched in the memories of the fans for a long time to come.
Photos: Dagashotz