The city of Benin played host to a number of Nigeria Ex-international footballers on Sunday evening as the people of Edo State witnessed the best of football entertainment to celebrate the victory of the team Obaseki/Shaibu at the polls a couple of weeks ago.
The match, organised by friends of the current administration led by Fred Newton Erhunmwunse witnessed the presence of some of the best players to have played for the Nigeria national teams at both junior and senior levels.
2 time African footballer of the year, Nwankwo Kanu led the pack of stars which included China ’85 U-16 world cup winner, Baldwin Bazuaye, Saudi ’89 Silver medallist, Anthony Emoedofu, Senegal ’92 bronze medallist Friday Elahor, Tunisia ’94 Nations Cup winner, Mutiu Adepoju and Atlanta ’96 gold medalist Taribo West.
Others who also featured included China ’85 goal keeper Lucky Agbonsevafe, Japan ’93 star midfielder Festus Okougha, Ex-EPL star, Sam Sodje, former Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen, NPFL star Mfon Bassey and a host of others.
The match, played at the newly built soccer arena at the Western Boys Secondary School Ikpoba Hill got off to a great start with ex-Canada ’87 and Saudi’89 silver medallist, Anthony Emoedofu shooting the team Ogbane ahead before the equalizing goal for team Obaseki/Shaibu by legendary Nwankwo Kanu which sent the mammoth crowd into a state of frenzy.
The game came to a befitting end with the Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu netting the winning goal few minutes to the end of the game from the penalty spot after being brought down by an opposing defender when through on goal.
The match was watched by a host of dignitaries led by the Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Barrister Godwin Dudu Orumen, a host of commissioners from the state and other political bigwigs.