By DADA AYOKHAI.
Sports enthusiasts and administrators today gathered at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to launch the Benin Unity Cup, a grassroots football tournament designed to unearth talented players from the seven local government areas in Edo South, Edo State.
The tournament is sponsored by Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District at the National Assembly.”
In his speech at the unveiling which has
Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Sports (NIS) and former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu in attendance, Senator Imasuen, stated that the Benin Unity Cup was inspired by his passion for youth empowerment and reviving football in Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.
Other sports administrators in attendance were Chairman Edo sports commission, Desmond Enabulele , Executive Directors Edo Sports Commission, Hon. Frank Ilaboya, Mrs Sabina Chikere, , Elizabeth Ativie. among others.
Senator Neda Imasuen highlighted that the Benin Unity Cup aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Monday Okpebholo’s sports vision, emphasizing their shared commitment to youth development and harnessing sports as a means of empowerment.
“This initiative is not about my position, but about helping our youths to discover their purpose,” he stated. “Edo is overflowing with untapped talents. We must harness these opportunities so that our young people can have dignity, respect, and pride in what they do.”
“Empowerment isn’t just about giving people jobs; it’s about helping them become who they are meant to be. Through sports, we can tackle unemployment, idleness, and restiveness among our youths,” Imasuen added.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Sports (NIS), Hon. Shaibu, commended Senator Imasuen for the Benin Unity Cup initiative, describing it as a commendable project that will have a lasting impact. He pledged the NIS’s support in identifying and training emerging talents using its facilities. Shaibu also called for an audit of former sports ministers, citing alleged neglect and mismanagement that led to the deterioration of NIS facilities.
Earlier, Chairman of the Edo Football Association, Fred Newton, also hailed the initiative as “a ground-breaking legacy,” promising that international scouts would attend the games to spot promising players for opportunities abroad.
In his remarks , former Commissioner for Transport and Coordinator of the Benin Unity Cup Tournament, Orobosa Omo-Ojo, commend Senator Imasuen for his visionary sponsorship and unwavering belief that empowering our young people through sports is key to building a stronger, safer, and more United Edo South.
“His support reflects true grassroots leadership—one that sees sports and other intangible talents as a unifier and a driver of human development.
“As coordinator of this initiative, I see first-hand the dreams, the discipline, and the determination football inspires. From the streets of Iyekeorhionmwon to the fields of Iyekovia and the bubbling streets of Adesogbe, Ehor and others, we will discover tomorrow’s champions—young men who only need a platform to shine. This tournament gives them that platform.”
The grand final of the Benin Unity Football Cup will hold at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, with preliminary matches scheduled for Irhirhi Sports Ground and the University of Benin Sports Centre.
Winners of the competition will cart home ₦1 million, runners-up ₦700,000, third place ₦500,000, and fourth place ₦300,000. Each of the eight participating teams will also receive a full set of jerseys for 22 players, courtesy of the senator.
The tournament, which will feature teams from Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwode, Ovia North East, and Ovia South West, is scheduled to kick off on November 20 and climax on December 20.
Benin Unity Cup Unveiled: Shaibu , Others Pour encomium on Imasuen over Initiative
