APC marks Okpebholo inauguration as Edo Gov with novelty match

Ex international footballers, political bigwigs make list of spectators

By Kingsley Abavo, Benin

A novelty football match heralding inauguration of the Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration has been scheduled for Sunday, 10 November at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin-City, the State Capital.

The official inauguration of the Senator Monday Okpebholo led administration holds on Tuesday, 12 November, 2024.

As it was said the novelty football match titled; ‘Akpokomiza and Friends’ is part of activities lined up to mark the day which will open a new chapter in the political history books of Edo State.

To intimate members of the public, former Chairman, Edo State Football Association, Frank IIaboya on behalf of the organizers briefed the media in Benin on Wednesday.

IIaboya asserts all is set for the match which he said is of top quality including customized jerseys, 20 football autographed by the incoming Governor, Senator Okpebholo and to be given out to supporters of the projects.

According to him, the Governor-elect Senator Okpebholo is leading the political big guns, while the Super Eagles stand in coach, Austin Eguavoen is leading the ex football internationals to the game which will begin at 4.00 o’clock.

“Among those coming are Super Eagles interim Manager, Austine Eguavoen, Felix Owolabi, Mutiu Adepoju and Bright Omokaro.

“Others are Samson Ozogula a.k.a Zion train, Baldwin Bazuaye, Beijing Olympic Games goalkeeper, Ambrose Vanzekin, Peter Obanor, Tony Emediofu and Prince Oritsuwa Afejuku.

“Ex Bendel Insurance goalkeeper, Austine Iyamu, William Enobakhare and Tony Mentie are also listed.

“On the AKPAKOMIZA side, the list is full of political heavyweights led by the Gov. Elect himself, Senator Monday Okpeblolo and his deputy, Rt. Hon Dennis Idahosa.

“Comrade Adams Oshiomhole will lead the others involving the State Party Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe and his Secretary Lawrence Orka.

Others; are Pastor Ize Iyamu, Hon. Matthew Uroghide and Idowu Moye, popularly known as Maleke.

Gen Cecil Eseikhaigbe, the Chairman of the State Inauguration Committee, Hon Orobosa Omo Ojo and Dr. Emmanuel Paddy also made the team list, he said.

From the rear guide, Lucky Ohimai, popularly known as TAREX will lead the duo of Earnest Umakhihe, Hon. Felix Aganbi and Felix Osaro to withstand the onslaught of the ex internationals, Ilaboya said.

“Japan 1983 U-17 winning Coach, Amb. Fanny Amun will serve as the General Team Manager while the duo of Coaches Rolanson Odeh and Monday Eguavoen will coach the AKPAKOMIZA X1 and ex international team respectively.”

Ilaboya said funding of the event is entirely private sector and individual sponsorship as he on behalf of the organisers expressed gratitude to them all.

In response; the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in the State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, said he and his colleagues will not be intimidated by the array of ex internationals.

“Most of us were good footballers in our youthful days, and we will prove it again come on Sunday,” the amiable Chairman asserts!

While Ilaboya asserts; “It is going to be a very glamorous atmosphere because all the political juggernauts are going to be there.”