Legends FC of Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State at the weekend emerged winners of the maiden edition of the Mrs Victoria Aluebhosele Memorial Football Tournament for youth clubs in Esan Land.
In a keenly contested final match of the tournament decided at the Eguare Secondary School Sports Ground, Ekpoma, the Prince Anthony Ohiowele-tutored Legends FC won the coveted trophy via 5-4 scoreline from penalty kicks against hard-fighting Makanaki FC after 1-1 draw at regulation time.
Watched by a large turnout of football fans across Edo Central, the third place match was in favour of Diamond FC, Ekpoma, triumphing 1-0 over Assembly FC, Ekpoma, to take home the bronze medals.
Earlier in the day, All Stars FC defeated Kiza FC 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw at regulation time in a novelty game to entertain the teeming fans at the venue, who were also treated to the Egbabonelimin dance put together by the local organising committee of the tournament headed by Dr. Peter Akhidenor.
At the end of the final match, trophies, medals, winning prizes and individual awards were presented to the various winners by the cup donor/sponsor and other dignitaries present at the closing event.
Champions Legends FC swept the individual awards of the tournament as Tijani Amedu of Legends FC got the Top Scorer award with two goals. The Best Goalkeeper award went to Akhigbe Kenneth of Legends FC; Eromosele Christian of Legends FC was named the Best Defender; Prince Anthony Ohiowele of Legends FC was voted the Best Coach of the tournament, while the MVP award went to Windreck Ogedengbe of Makanaki FC.
Legends FC went home with the giant trophy, gold medals and N500.000.00. Second place Makanaki FC got N300.000.00 and the silver medals, while Diamond FC were rewarded with N200.000.00 for their efforts as third place winners.
Present at the colourful ceremony were the cup donor and sponsor, Amb. Julius Aluebhosele (Oba of youths), family members and friends; Sir (Dr.) Lucky Eseigbe, MD/CEO of the Edo State Public Building and Maintenance Agency, football stakeholders, coaches, ex-players, amongst others.
The football carnival was put together by Affluence Conglomerate in conjunction with the Edo Central All Stars among eight top teams in Esan Land in honour and memory of Late Mrs. Victoria Aluebhosele.
