Insurance Feeders FC, Ine FC, Bj Stars, and Delight Fc witness the Edo state Football Association led by the chairman Fred Newton Erhunmwunse alongside Family members of Late Abel Omoruyi JP on Wednesday unveiled the jerseys and Trophy For the maiden Edition of Abel Omoruyi JP Memorial Football tournament 2024.
The colourful event which held at the Media centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin City had in attendance some board members of the Edo FA, representatives of the Participating teams, chairman and members of the Edo state Football Referees council and as well as the press.
Before the unveiling, the chairman of the Edo state Football Association Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, thanked the sons and family of late Abel Omoruyi JP, founder of Iyare Motors for initiating the tournament in memory of the Transport guru, while assuring them that Edo FA will organise a good event to mark the one year remembrance of their father.
” Let me first thank the sons of late Abel Omoruyi JP who are here with us, am happy you are doing this in memory of your late father who was a great sports lover, he did so much for table tennis in the state.
” You people have decided to carry on with his legacy, with this football tournament we are proud of you and we hope to work together towards football development in the state”. the FA boss stated.
Fred Newton Erhunmwunse told the gathering that the four participating teams were carefully selected on merit by Edo FA, adding that the tournament will be expanded to eight teams during the second edition with the approval of the family of the former transporter.
Ine Stars, Delight FC, Bj FC and Bendel insurance Feeders will kick start the memorial tournament this Thursday April 25th 2024 at the famous Iyayi Efianayi Grammar school Egba heights, Egba uhunmwode local government area of Edo, with the first match between Ine Stars and Bendel insurance Feeders slated for 1 pm, while the second match of the day will see Bj FC take on Delight FC by 3 pm.
The third place and final match will hold on Saturday April 27th 2024 between 11 am and 3 pm at same venue, just as the sponsors will support the participating teams with transportation during the tournament.
All four teams were provided branded jerseys by the sponsors, with medals, cash and other souvenirs expected to be given out during the final day. Meanwhile there are other events that will take place during the three day competition, which include drought and Tennis.
Speaking after the unveiling ceremony, Son of the former transporter, Osamede Omoruyi said he was elated to do this in honour of his late father who was a sports lover, though tennis was his favourite, adding that the the Edo FA has done well so far, as the chosen teams were based on merit.
Osamede Omoruyi said, the tournament will be expanded next time to accommodate more teams, as the event will hold yearly in memory of his father.
Responding on behalf of the participating teams, coach Seyi Stanley Osaze of Bendel insurance Feeders, said they are happy to be part of the tournament and assure the gathering that they will all play by rules during the competition and bring entertainment which is expected to showcase talents.