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Francis Onoiribholo
The maiden edition of the Benin Unity Cup, a grassroots football competition, officially commenced on Thursday at the Crescent Sports Club Complex, Benin City.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele.
Proudly sponsored by Senator Neda Imasuen, the Benin Unity Cup is designed to identify and groom young football talents across the Edo South Senatorial District, with plans to create pathways for international exposure and overseas club opportunities for exceptional performers.
In a statement issued through his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele lauded Senator Imasuen for the impactful initiative, describing the tournament as a vital platform for talent discovery and sports development in Edo State.
“Distinguished Senator, we want to say a big thank you for this great initiative. This tournament marks the unveiling of an important unity project. The talents discovered here must not be left unattended — they must be nurtured”, Enabulele said.
He further revealed that the Commission will deploy scouts to monitor the matches, noting that standout players may be drafted into the Commission’s feeders’ team or considered for higher opportunities, including potential placement with Bendel Insurance FC by January.
He also appealed for more tournaments of this nature, not only in football but in other sports such as basketball, athletics, and aquatic sports.
In his remarks, Senator Neda Imasuen expressed appreciation to all participants and guests, emphasizing that every great achievement begins with a single idea, which has now materialized into concrete action.
He underscored the importance of passion and commitment in nurturing local talent, noting that his investment in sports development is driven by genuine interest rather than politics.
Senator Imasuen also revealed that international collaborations are underway, with partners in Sweden and the Netherlands already engaged. He confirmed that foreign scouts will be present during the tournament to assess promising players.
“This initiative started as a thought that has now become action — and this action will lead to something bigger than we can imagine,”
he said.
“We have engaged partners outside Nigeria, and scouts from Sweden and the Netherlands will be watching the tournament. Our goal is to harness and project Edo talents to the world.”
The Benin Unity Cup continues this week, offering thrilling fixtures and a promising platform for young footballers to showcase their abilities before both local and international scouts.
At the opening match between Ovia North-East and Ikpoba-Okha, it ended goalless, however the remaining fixtures will be held on Saturday, November 22, at the same venue.
