In continuation of the celebration of Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu over their September 19 victory at the polls, a novelty football match is scheduled to take place in the ancient city of Benin, the Edo State capital.
A signed statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Comrade Ebomhiana Musa stated that the victory match which is being put together by a group of Benin – based young and successful businessmen under the ages of Friends of Philip Shaibu will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2020 at 3 pm. Venue is the reconstructed community football pitch of Western Boys High School, Ipkoba Hill, Benin. The two teams which are expected to trade entertainment tackles are Team Obaseki/Shaibu and Team Ogbane. Some lovers of the round leather game see the match as the height of post Covid-19 entertainment football in Nigeria.
Spokesman for the group, Fred Newton Erhunmwunse said some of the big names in world of football who have confirmed their readiness to be part of the novelty match are Taribo West, Mutiu Adepoju, Sam Sodye, Austin Eguavion, Mobile Okpkaraku, Friday Elahor, Alex Ekweme and Festus Okuongbae.
Members of Friends of Philip Shaibu are Sunny Osanyede, CEO of Big Joe Motors, Ambassador Wesley Asoro, CEO of Wesley Hotels, Edosa Igbinosa, CEO of EDS Paints, Frank Ilaboya, Chairman Owan West Local Government and Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, former Board Member,Edo State Football Association.
Special Guests of Honour are Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki and the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu. Other special guests expected on the occasion are the National Vice Chairman of the ruling PDP(SouthSouth), Chief Dan Orbih, Senators Matthew Urhoghide, Clifford Ordia, Hon Seigious Ogun, Hon Jude Ise – Idehen and Hon Ogbeide Ihama. Others are the state chairman of the PDP, Dr Tony Azeigbemi, Speaker of the state house of Assembly, Rt Hon Frank Okiye, members of the state house of Assembly and Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, Esq.
Main sponsors of the Novelty Match are Big Joe Motors, Wesley Hotels; EDS Paints and OSM.