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Egor LGA Crowned Inaugural Benin Unity Cup Champions After Dramatic Penalty Shootout

Bythecrusadersvoicetm

Dec 22, 2025

By Our Reporter

Egor Local Government Area on Sunday etched their name into Edo State’s grassroots football history, emerging champions of the maiden Benin Unity Cup after a tense 4–2 penalty shootout victory over Ovia North East LGA at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

The keenly contested final, watched by a vibrant and enthusiastic crowd, ended goalless after regulation time, with both sides cancelling each other out in a gripping display of discipline, grit and tactical awareness.

Egor, however, held their nerve from the spot to clinch the historic title and become the first winners of the tournament, which brought together the seven local government areas of Edo South in celebration of unity, sportsmanship and community pride.

Earlier in the day, the third-place playoff between Oredo I and Oredo II also went down to the wire. The encounter finished 1–1 at full time before Oredo I triumphed 5–3 on penalties to secure the bronze medal.

The grand finale was preceded by a curtain-raiser novelty match staged in honour of the host and principal sponsor of the competition, Senator Neda Imasuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District.

The friendly fixture between friends of the senator and former Edo State–born football internationals ended 1–0 in favour of Team Neda Imasuen, with the senator himself scoring the decisive goal less than a minute into the match after a skilful solo run and composed finish.

Speaking at the event, Senator Imasuen said the Benin Unity Cup was conceived as a platform to empower young people, promote grassroots sports development and uncover football talents across Edo South. He assured residents and football lovers that an even bigger and better edition would be staged in 2026.

“This tournament is about unity, opportunity and hope for our youths. We are committed to discovering and supporting talents that can represent Edo State and Nigeria with pride,” he said.

Also addressing the gathering, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, revealed that no fewer than 35 promising players had already been identified during the competition and would be professionally nurtured to advance their football careers.

Echoing the optimism, former Commissioner for Transport and Coordinator of the Benin Unity Cup, Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo, pledged that the next edition would feature improved organisation and an enhanced competitive structure.

At the end of the tournament, Egor LGA went home with the top prize of ₦1 million, while runners-up Ovia North East LGA received ₦700,000. Oredo I earned ₦500,000 for finishing third, with the fourth-placed team pocketing ₦250,000.

As the curtain falls on a successful maiden edition, residents and football enthusiasts across Edo South are already looking ahead with excitement to a larger, more competitive Benin Unity Cup in the years to come.

By thecrusadersvoicetm

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Hon. Cyril Oshiomhole Declares No Safe Haven for Counterfeit Drugs in Edo, Inaugurates Taskforce on Fake Drugs and Unsafe Food In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the Edo State Government has inaugurated a special taskforce to combat counterfeit drugs and unwholesome processed foods and drinks. The Commissioner for Health, Hon. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, who also serves as Chairman of the committee, performed the inauguration and charged the co-opted members on the importance of their assignment. Dr. Oshiomhole emphasized that the taskforce must remain focused on its core mandate—protecting lives and curbing the spread of fake drugs and unsafe food products, which pose serious health risks to the public. He noted that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains committed to safeguarding public health. He urged members to carry out their duties with integrity, ensure proper enforcement, and collaborate with relevant agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The Commissioner expressed concern over the rising cases of kidney, cancer, and liver-related illnesses, describing the situation as alarming. He stressed that it would no longer be business as usual, announcing plans to establish a mobile court to ensure that offenders are prosecuted and appropriately sanctioned. Speaking on behalf of the co-opted members, Mr. Steven David Edjeba described the responsibility as critical, noting that it directly impacts the health and safety of the people. He warned that the prevalence of counterfeit drugs and unsafe food in markets poses a grave danger, adding that members of the taskforce are committed to working collaboratively with government agencies and stakeholders to eliminate such products and promote a healthier society. “As members of this taskforce, we must understand that the assignment before us is not ordinary. It is a mission to protect lives and safeguard public health,” he said. “Our role requires commitment, cooperation, and integrity. We must work together with relevant government agencies, market leaders, producers, and distributors to identify, eliminate, and prevent the circulation of dangerous and fake products.” Edjeba also expressed the readiness of the team to commence operations immediately, warning that those involved in such illegal activities should desist or face a crackdown. Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Andrew Iyamu, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the health and well-being of residents. He stated that authorities would take firm action against anyone found distributing or selling counterfeit drugs and unsafe food products. In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Paul Eighemhenrio, highlighted the growing concern over chemically treated foods. He urged the taskforce members to operate with transparency and integrity in order to effectively protect public health. Other stakeholders at the event expressed support for the initiative and called for collective efforts to ensure the success of the taskforce in promoting a safer and healthier environment across Edo State. The inauguration ceremony was attended by key government officials and relevant stakeholders.

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