Edo FA Cup Fallout: Government hosts victorious Insurance, Edo Queens

By ABIODUN JIMOH

For winning the Edo State 2019 FA Cup, players and officials of Bendel Insurance FC and Edo Queens have been received by Edo State Acting Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu on Monday.

Shaibu, while receiving the victorious teams congratulated them for their achievements in lifting the trophies. “Let me congratulate both of you for winning the two main trophies. Last year, Insurance missed it and now they have won it back.”

Furthermore, he stated: “I am reiterating government’s commitment to Bendel Insurance and sports development generally. We will continue to encourage you. We are giving  you another target. This time, we want you to get to the Aiteo cup final at the national level.

“I have confidence in the young and talented Insurance boys. I have watched them and played with them, so I know they are good. As a matter of fact, among all the teams we have met so far, only Rangers FC I feel could be a headache, but I am confident we will get better and the god of soccer will see us through. Insurance are play off specialists.

“Our government wants Edo to be back on its feet in sports, hence we are building sports infrastructure all over to encourage sports men and women in the state.”

Comrade Shaibu who could not hide his joy, said he was happy because the two state owned clubs won the men and women FA Cup on merit.

He reminded the Benin arsenal of the major target the state has set for them which is continental competition, noting that the only way to get there is to finish the league among top three and win the Aiteo Federation cup.

“If we cannot win the premier league, let us work hard to win the Aiteo cup.” He charged Insurance.

Also, he congratulated the Edo Queens for retaining the FA Cup, as he encouraged them to continue to work hard so that they can get it right at the national level.

“We had time to beef up your side before the league resumption unlike Insurance. And with the calibre of Technical Managers handling your team in the person of Godwin Izilien and Gabriel Adejor, you should be able to do well.

“In fact I will soon find time to join you in training like I do with Insurance.” Comrade Shaibu enthused.

The supporters club and fans of both teams were not left out in the acting governor’s commendation. He said they are partners in progress and number 12 players.

Earlier in his address, the Technical Manager of Bendel Insurance FC and that of Edo Queens, Monday Odigie and Godwin Izilein expressed their appreciation to Edo government for the opportunity given them to serve and promised to do more with the support and encouragement coming from government.

“We are in Government House to present the Edo FA cup trophy to you. You gave us an assignment and we have done it,here we have FA cup with cash prize attached won by Insurance yesterday.” Monday Odigie said.