The first ever women football League in Edo state kicked off on Saturday in Benin City, to the excitement of everyone present at the colourful opening ceremony of the tournament which held at the Benson Idahosa University sports ground ( Heritage campus) Ugbor, GRA Benin City.
The ceremonial kick off of the tournament was taken by the first Lady of Idahosa Dynasty, Rev. Laurie Idahosa who is also the Director of Campus Life Division of Benson Idahosa University on behalf of the cup Donor, Archbishop Dr M.E. Idahosa.
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Three matches were later decided on the day, with Benin Red soil Queens taking all three points against Palace Queens following a 2-0 win, while Brave Heart Ladies were 2-0 better than Genesis Queens, just as the last match of the day ended in same score line as Heart Peak Sports club went down 0-2 to Bravoss Fc
The first of its kind in Edo state, the League known as Archbishop Margaret Benson Idahosa Edo state women Football League, is aimed at developing Women Football in the state.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the tournament organise by the Edo state Football Association, Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, chairman Edo FA stated that the Edo state Women Football League has come to stay as it will go a long way in developing the Women’s game in the state, he however used the occasion to thank Archbishop of church of God Mission international, Dr Margret Benson Idahosa for donating the trophy and other items for the tournament.
Edo state Football Association organisers of the tournament have now join the likes of Osun FA and others in organising the state women Football League aimed at developing the Women’s game from the Grassroots.
Some dignitaries who were present at the opening ceremony of the tournament on Saturday, include Prof Oyedeji who represented the vice chancellor of Benson Idahosa University Univermsity, Prof John .A. okhuoya, members of the church of God Mission international,staff and students of Benson Idahosa University, Acting Director Campus Life Division Rev Jero, Edo state Football Association members led by the chairman Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, vice chairman Paul Ojeisekhoba, the chairman Women Football committee Edo FA, Innocent Owolo and his vice chairman Pastor Destiny Aghedosa, Edo state Football Referees council chairman Sylvester okungbowa, Edo FA secretary General Adebisi Otupate Richard, stakeholders, members of church of God Mission international, coaches and the participating teams of the tournament amongst others.
Second round of group matches of the tournament are expected to continue at the Benson Idahosa University sports ground (Heritage campus)Ugbor GRA Benin City.
