Egor LGA wins maiden edition of Benin Unity Cup Champions

Egor Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State on Sunday etched their name into Edo State’s grassroots football history, emerging champions of the maiden Benin Unity Cup after a tense 3–1 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.

READ ALSO FROM SPORTING TRIBUNE