By Edward Oseghe and Chidinma Kalu
The 2025 Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Unity Cup ended on Saturday with Egor and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas emerging champions in the boys’ and girls’ categories.
Held at Idogbo Secondary School sports grounds in Ikpoba-Okha LGA, the tournament featured under-18 boys’ and girls’ teams from across Edo State, promoting grassroots football and youth development.
Egor secured the boys’ title with a commanding 3–0 win over Etsako West in the final, while hosts Ikpoba-Okha edged Oredo LGA 1–0 to clinch their first Unity Cup trophy in the girls’ category.
Egor’s girls also finished strong, defeating Ovia South-West 1–0 in the third-place match to claim the Best Female Team award.
The phenomenal closing ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Ikpoba-Okha LGA Chairman, Rt. Hon. Obosa Jolly; Egor LGA Chairman, Hon. Dr. Kelvin Eguakun; NULGE Edo State Chairman, Comrade Dr. Scot Aigbovia; Edo FA Chairman, Mr. Fred Newton Erhunmwunse; and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Merit awards were presented to Sir (Dr.) Lucky Eseigbe, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Mr. Erhunmwunse; Hon. Amadin Enabulele, Chairman Edo State Sports Commission; Comrade Bernard Joman, Edo NLC Chairman; Comrade Aigbovia; and Rt. Hon. Jolly for their contributions to grassroots sports development.
Individual honours included Henry Esan (South East) as Highest Goal Scorer (Male), Lucky Nuka (Egor) as Most Valuable Player (Male), and Usman Danstingo (Egor) as Best Goalkeeper (Male). For the girls, Ikpoba-Okha’s Joy Nwodo was named Best Female Player, while Grace Ufot and Omorodion Success were awarded Highest Goal Scorer and Best Goalkeeper respectively. Etsako West (Male) and Egor (Female) received Fair Play Team awards.
Rt. Hon. Obosa Jolly described the tournament as “a beacon of hope” for Edo youth, promoting peace, unity, and empowerment.
He also congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo on his Supreme Court victory, calling the event a fitting celebration for the state.
Comrade Aigbovia praised the discipline and sportsmanship displayed, noting that the Unity Cup remains a platform for nurturing talent and fostering peace.
Egor LGA was announced as host for the 2026 edition, a decision welcomed with enthusiasm following its strong performance this year.
With the conclusion of this year’s tournament, the NULGE Unity Cup continues to strengthen community bonds and promote youth development across Edo State.
