…As Ovia North-East Walkover Uhunmwode
…Imasuen Lauds Organising Committee, Hails Rising Standard of Competition
By Edward Oseghe
The Benin Unity Cup served up high drama on Friday as Ikpoba-Okha produced a sensational late equaliser to deny Egor all three points, while Ovia North-East secured a routine walkover victory after Uhunmwode failed to honour their fixture.
At the Crescent Sports Club, Ikpoba-Okha were the delight of the fans after staging a spirited comeback against an Egor side that had opened the tournament with a commanding 5–1 win over Uhunmwode on Match Day 1.
Both teams approached the opening half cautiously, cancelling out each other’s threats and heading into the break goalless.
Egor resumed the second half with greater urgency and were rewarded almost instantly. In the 48th minute, Towo Eventus finished off a well-crafted move to hand his side the lead and momentarily put them in control of the encounter.
With time running out and Egor seemingly cruising to another victory, Ikpoba-Okha mounted one final push. In the 90th minute, Emeka Nwaneda struck the decisive blow—slotting home a dramatic equaliser that sent the crowd into rapturous celebration and left their opponents stunned.
The result keeps the group wide open as the competition intensifies.
In the day’s second fixture, Ovia North-East earned maximum points without breaking a sweat after Uhunmwode failed to show up. Following the mandatory 30-minute waiting period, match officials awarded Ovia North-East a walkover win, accompanied by three goals and three points.
Saturday’s fixtures promise more excitement, with Ovia South-West set to face Orhionmwon, while fans eagerly await the much-anticipated “Heartbeat Derby” between Oredo I and Oredo II.
Tournament sponsor and vision bearer, Senator Neda Imasuen, who witnessed Friday’s proceedings, expressed satisfaction with the level of organisation and the quality of competition on display.
He commended the organising committee and participating local governments for their commitment and highlighted the tournament’s broader purpose.
According to him, “The essence of this tournament is to create opportunities for Edo youth within the active football age bracket to showcase their talents. I’m pleased with the structure, the enthusiasm and the unity the competition is fostering. Above all, this tournament demonstrates the power of football in bringing communities together.”
The Benin Unity Cup continues with expectations of even more thrilling contests.
