Sports

Edo Govt Hunts For Football Talents At Kada Unity Cup

Published

3 months ago

February 3, 2026

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has expressed his desire to groom talents that would be discovered at the ongoing 3rd edition of Kada Unity Cup for the military and paramilitary football clubs.

Represented at the opening ceremony of this year’s edition by his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the governor said that talents to be discovered would be nurtured and recruited into the state owned Bendel Insurance FC

The governor noted that his administration has repositioned the sporting sectors of the state through the state’s sports commission.

According to him, empowering youths of the state through sporting activities has been central to his government.

“The commission has a clear mandate to return sports development to the grassroots through talent discovery and nurturing across all sporting disciplines.

“The aim is not only to groom them to stardom, but also as a fight against social vices as well as a form of empowerment.

“Similarly, the repositioning has placed that state firmly on the path to reclaiming its glory days of sporting excellence,” he stated.

Speaking on the tournament, Okpebholo said the 2026 edition which featured 12 teams, was more than a sporting competition.

“It is a celebration of unity, collaboration, discipline, and sportsmanship—values that define the essence of our military and paramilitary institutions which remain vital to the peace, security, and development of our society.

“The essence of Edo State Government being here is to harness some of the talents here and utilise the same for the good of the state,” he asserted.

While urging the participating to embrace team work as a cornerstone to their success, he also tasked the teams on resilience, corporation, and coordination.

He asserted that these attributes
are the very qualities required to confront and overcome the challenges facing our communities and our nation at large.

“Your participation also promotes physical fitness, mental wellness, and inter-agency synergy, all of which are essential to your professional duties,” he said.

Okpebholo commended the former governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion for his foresight in initiating the tournament to support military and paramilitary agencies.

Among the dignitaries present are the state Sports Commission’s chairman, Amadin Enabulele.

The 2026 edition of the Kada Unity Cup which kicked off on Monday in Benin, would have its final played on February 12th.

Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

3 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.