The Nigerian Army, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Police, Air Force, Department of State Security (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are to vie for honours in the 2nd edition of Kada Unity Cup Football Tournament in Benin City.
Other participants are Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Fire Service.
Addressing Journalists in Benin City on Monday, 30 December during the draws ahead of the competition slated for January 7th-14th, 2025, the Chairman, Edo State Football Association and Convener of the Kada Unity Cup Football Tournament, Mr. Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, said the competition is to foster unity among the military and the paramilitary services in the state.
He said the first edition of the competition was won by the Nigeria Police, adding that the second edition of the tournament promises to be better with more agencies competing for the coveted trophy.
Mr. Erhunmwunse disclosed that the tournament is a brain child of the former governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, whose love for sports, he said knew no bounds.
He added that the former governor believes in the power of football in promoting and fostering peace in any given society, so, he decided to involve the military and the paramilitary in the exercise.
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While asduring the participating security organisstions that all the extant rules guiding the game of football will be applied to the letter st the football tournament, Erhunmwunse further disclosed that the tournament which is to be played at Igbinedion Sports Complex at Etete, in Benin City will also feature awards for the best players, fair play and others.
In his opening remarks, the Managing Director, Kada Plaza Cinema and Entertainment Centre, Mr. Trevor Pillay, said he hopes that the competition would be tough and that at the end, the best team will win the game.
On his his part, Inspector Igunma Odion of the Nigeria Police, the defending champion of the tournament, expressed optimism that the police will win the tournament the second time.