16 teams to compete for maiden legal football competition in Edo

In its bid to stem the tide of cultism and other vices in the Edo State, members of the State Legal Sports Campaign Committee, has said that plans are underway to host a football competition for youths in the state.

This was disclosed by the Leader of the Group, Darlington Omokaro, during a courtesy visit to the Speaker, Edo House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, on Wednesday in Benin.

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He disclosed that the winner of the tournament will take home N10, 000,000, while N5,000,000 and N3,000,000 will go for the second and third placed teams respectively.

Omokaro stated that the visit was to officially inform the House about engaging young people through sports to fight social vices in the state.

According to him, the Edo Legal Sport 2025 campaign would involve 16 teams, selected from the three Senatorial Districts in the State

He said: “Four teams each will represent Edo North and Central, while the remaining eight teams will come from the Edo South zone.

“Five universities will join, including Igbinedion; Ambrose Alli; University of Benin; Edo University, Iyamho; and Benson Idahosa University”.

Omokaro informed that the tournament is scheduled to begin from July to August 2025, with matches expected to be played at the University of Benin Sports complex in Benin.

“Key partners include the Edo Sports Commission, House of Assembly, State Police Command, and University of Benin,” Omokaro revealed

Reacting, the Speaker of the Edo Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, lauded the initiative, noting that sports is a valuable tool for promoting unity and peace in the society.

He advised the Legal Sports Campaign Committee to continue the partnership with House Committee Chairman on Information and Sports, Hon. Donald Okogbe, towards ensuring a sustainable collaboration and support for the tournament’s goals.