Sports

Edokpolor, Idia College Girls Lift Edo Secondary School Football Cup, As Organisers Appreciate Yussuf Alli, School Authorities

Published

2 years ago

November 2, 2024

Edokpolor Grammar School, Benin City, on Friday won the 3rd edition of the Edo State Annual Secondary Schools Football Tournament after defeating St. David Mixed College, Evboneka 3-2 in the male category.

PraiseGod Monday, Ubebe Miracle and
Iboi Godspower scored a goal each to help Edokpolor Grammar School triumph over St David whose goal scoring machine,
Ewean Osaze almost dragged the game into extra time after scoring a brace to reduce the deficit in the second half, while
Oghe Community Secondary School, Ivioghe- Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area finished in the third place

In the female category,Idia College thrashed ST, Agela’s Grammar School Girls 3-0 to lift the cup, making them winners for the third time, while Eyean Secondary School won the third place in the category.

Winners of both male and female categories went home with a Million Naira each, while the second and third placed teams pocketed N500,000 and N300,000 respectively with medals and trophies.

Individual awards of Most Valuable players, Highest Goal Scorer, Goalkeeper and others were specially recognized and honoured.

Organizers of the tournament in a post match interview, said the games were designed to discover talents that abound in the state, stressing that the exercise offered the students the needed opportunity to express themselves and showcase their skills with possibilities of pursuing a career in football.

The Chairman of the Tournament Working Committee Col. Charles Asowata (Rtd.) expressed the Forum’s gratitude to the Ministry of Education who made the children available for the competition, and the Edo State Sports Commission for granting them access to the stadium For the final stage of the competition.

He said that they were happy that in 2022/2023 they were able to produce some professionals among the participating schools, adding that five have moved to Edo Queens; two to Fortress Ladies Football Club, while two other persons are presently playing outside the country.

“The tournament is to build characters. How to accept loss and celebrate winning. It takes off children from the streets. Our job is to encourage them to be better citizens and not to involve themselves in cultism because they are our future”.

He advised Edo youths to be focused in life and do what they can to better their lives.

He also said they must be trust worthy in whatever they do.

On his part, a member of the forum, Prince Jerry Obaseki said the tournament was aimed at giving back to the society.

Obaseki, who described Edo State as a cradle of sports talents in the past, said their role is to rejig sports at the grassroots to make the state regain its pride of place in sports in the country.

He disclosed that 160 students participated in this year’s competition and promised that it will continue.

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.