The curtains have been shut on the maiden Edo Head of Service Football competition for Edo state civil and public servants with Team Edo Sports Commission lifting the cup after beating Government House 2-1.
The Samuel Ogbemudia stadium Landlords refused to let the trophy leave their domain as they came from behind to beat the Osadebe Avenue Landlords.
Efosa Ojo scored for Government House in the 51st minute of play after the first half had ended in a barren situation.
Ganiyu Sani scored the equalizer for the Sports Commission in the 73rd minute while
Efe Osunde netted the winner in the 80th minute time to seal victory for Olympian Yusuf Alli boys at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium on Friday evening.
The state Universal Basic Education Board(SUBEB) won the consolation
Bronze medal after beating the Ministry of Physical Planning in the third place match. They won the third place position 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Meanwhile, the winners of the tournament pocketed the N500,000 star prize just as the silver Medalists Government House got N300,000 while the third place winners SUBEB went home with N200,000.
Presenting the trophy and the Star prize of N500,000 to the winners Edo State Sports Commission,the Edo Head of Service Dr Anthony Okungbowa congratulated the team and management of the Sports Commission led by Olympian Yusuf Alli and all the ministries, Department and Agencies of government that participated.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Governor Mr Godwin Obaseki,the chief of staff Hon DR Osaigbovo Iyoha,including all the sponsors of the tournament.
“A lot is being done by the Edo state governor in transforming the Edo Civil and public service environment, and we feel that there is need to build synergy among public and civil servants in terms of socialization and bonding. We also need to collaborate and cooperate,and we feel the opportunity to do that may not exist during work hours,that is why we decided to organize this competition for Edo workers.” Dr Okungbowa stressed.
The Edo HOS believes that when workers exercise regularly,they become fitter,younger and healthier mentally for the work.
He commended the chairman of the Organising Committee of the tournament Mr Victor Edokpayi who is incidentally the Director of Facilities,Edo Sports Commission
Dr Okungbowa who said he was impressed with the organisation also appreciated the Edo FA Chairman Mr Fred Newton Erhunmwunsee promised that next year’s event will be bigger.