Stakeholders Laud Organisers As Winners Of Zaria Grand Prix Smile Home with Cash

Stakeholders have lauded the just concluded Zaria Athletics Grand Prix held at the Sports Complex of Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria, Kaduna state.

Speaking at the closing ceremony on Wednesday, a former president of National , Nigeria Association of Technical officials ( NATO) Mr.Goodluck Akpodeh praised the organisers,as he listed the advantages of the prix to both the participants, as well as the development of the sport, athletics.

“I commend the organisers for organising a glamorous prix, despite the prevailing circumstances,as we are all aware how difficult the economy is.Also,being the first event of the year in this region,it has helped our athletes to check their fitness level and enhanced their performance level.This is not a league,but an avenue for atheletes to test their abilities,and also make money for themselves and better their overall performance at the international level.”Akpodeh stated.

Assistant Secretary of Kaduna Coaches

Bendel Insurance defeat Feeders 2-0 to emerge Edo FA Champions

Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin,today defeated their younger brothers Insurance Feeders 2-0 to win the 2023 Edo FA Cup.

The Edo FA cup final match,played at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin had the two Bendel Insurance teams against each other for the second time consecutively slugging it out for the title which went to the senior team, following Imade Osarenkhoe’s 10th minute and Sodje Stephens 68th minute goals.

Both teams also reached the finals and represented the state at the national level of the Federation cup last season, making it a new record in Edo Football history.

The Coach Stanley Osazee managed Insurance Feeders however showed brilliance with their tiki taka free flow performance but their senior brothers’ strength and experience made the difference.

On the road to the finals, the Monday Odigie led Benin Arsenals started the 2023 Edo FA Cup campaigns with a 3-0 win over an amateur sides Etete FC.

Similarly, Edo Queens have retained their FA Cup after humiliating Fortress Ladies FC 8-0 in the final played at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin.

Association,Mr. Mark Orduen,said the change of date affected the turn as about 700 athletes were billed to participate,but comnended 500 atheletes who participated at the prix.

“I commend the organisers for putting together a colourful event,as all the atheletes were adequately taken care of.The change of date affected the number of athletes who were supposed to be here. Nevertheless,we recorded 500 instead of 700,and for this, I commend those who came despite the short notice.I advice other stakeholders to emulate the organisers of Zaria Grand Prix.”Orduen stated.

Director of the Prix,Hon.Sunday Adeleye says he was thrilled about the talents discovered, and the overall impact of the event on the atheletes.He noted that more Prix will be organised to enhance the fitness level of the atheletes.

Cash rewards were given to various winners of the Prix.

The premier league Queens, expectedly lived up to the expectations against their Amateur opponents Fortress Ladies who could not pose any threat to the defending champions.

Bashiru Kafayat opened scoring for Edo Queens in the 13th minute of play.

Yemisi Samuel scored a hat-trick (17)(22) (40)minutes before Kafayat Bashiru got a brace to make 5-0 before half time.

As the second half resumed, Alice Okebe increased the tally for Edo Queens in the 47th minutes. Sulehat Aberdeen later scored twice (68), (77) minutes to complete the routes.

The Nigerian Women Football League NWFL Group B leaders Edo Queens and Fortress Ladies will be representing the state at the national level of the Federation Cup.

Edo Queens are getting ready for Week 10 of the NWFL tie against Confluence Queens FC of Lakoja who will be hosting the Red- hot Benin ladies next week Wednesday,the 22nd of March 2023 at the Confidence Stadium Lokoja, Kogi State.