The maiden edition of the Benin Unity Cup will kick off in Benin, Edo State, on November 20 and will end on December 20.
Sponsor of the event, Senator Neda Imasuen, who is representing Edo South in the Senate, said his motivation came from a burning desire to empower young people and revive Edo’s historic football culture.
Imasuen, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, said, “This initiative is not about my position, but about helping our youths discover their purpose.
“Edo is overflowing with untapped talents. We must harness these opportunities so that our young people can have dignity, respect, and pride in what they do.”
He added that the tournament was aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the sporting vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo, both of whom have emphasised youth empowerment as a pillar of sustainable development.
He added, “Empowerment isn’t just about giving people jobs; it’s about helping them become who they are meant to be. Through sports, we can tackle unemployment, idleness, and restiveness among our youths,” Imasuen stressed.
The Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, commended the senator’s vision, describing it as a legacy project that would live beyond his tenure. Shaibu pledged NIS support for the initiative.
Also, Chairman of the Edo Football Association, Fred Newton, hailed the tournament and assured that international scouts have confirmed attendance for the tournament, promising young players a real shot at professional exposure abroad.
According to the draws, Group A has Ovia North-East, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, and Uhumwonde, while Oredo One, Ovia South-West, Orhionmwon, and Oredo Two make up Group B.
Apart from trophies and medals, the winning team will smile home with N1m, the first runner-up gets N700,000, the third-placed team gets N500,000, and N300,000 will go to the fourth-placed team.
In addition, each team will also get N100,000 mobilisation allowances and a set of jerseys each.
