The draw for the maiden Senator Neda Imasuen Football Competition, tagged ‘Benin Unity Cup,’ was held over the weekend in Benin ahead of the November 20, 2025, kickoff.
The ceremony, which took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, attracted football enthusiasts, tacticians, and government officials.
The eight-team tournament features a team from each of the seven local government areas in the Edo South Senatorial District, with Oredo LGA providing two teams.
Speaking at the event, Senator Imasuen explained that the tournament aims to foster unity and discover young football talents who can be nurtured to an international standard.
He stated his motivation was to help restore Edo State’s football glory by producing great international soccer stars.
The organizers announced the following prize money for the top four teams: 1st Place: N1 million, 2nd Place: N700,000, 3rd Place: N500,000
and 4th Place: N300,000.
They also unveiled eight different sets of jerseys for the 22 players on each of the participating teams.
Fred Newton, Chairman, Edo Football Association, commended Senator Imasuen for the initiative and assured the people that local and international scouts would be present throughout the competition to hunt for talent.
The Director-General, National Institute of Sports (NIS), in his goodwill message, praised the initiative of Senator Imasuen and pledged that the NIS would partner with the organisers to train and nurture discovered talents.
On his part, Hon. Amadin Enabulele, Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, expressed support for the project and appealed to the senator to develop programs for nurturing the talents discovered beyond the competition.
The final match will be held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, with group stage matches taking place at the Irhirhi Sports Ground and the University of Benin Sports Complex.
Groupings:
Group A: Ovia North-East, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, and Uhunmwode LGAs.
Group B: Oredo One, Ovia South-West, Orhionmwon, and Oredo Two.
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