The second edition of the Kada Unity Cup for military and paramilitary agencies in Edo State kicked-of on Friday, 7 February at the Chief Lucky Igbinedion Football Pitch in Etete, Benin City.
In the opening march between the Nigerian Army and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Army defeated the NDLEA by a lone goal.
The other participating teams in the tournament are Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Department of State Security (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Fire Service.
In a remark after the opening games, sponsor and chief host of the tournament, former Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Chief Lucky Igbinedion expressed satisfaction with the level of turn out and the enthusiasm among the participating military and security agencies; noting that it is achieving the objective of the tournament, which is fostering of unity among the military and security services in the state.
“The games have been very exciting and am happy we have a full house, all the participating teams are here and the matches have been very free and fair, and very competitive. You can see some of the players showing some very good skills and above, all it’s fostering peace and unity among the military and paramilitary personnel, which is the essence of the tournament”.
In the second match of the day, the EFCC and Nigeria Immigration Service went home with one point each, as they drew with two goals apiece.
In their various comments, coaches of the teams that played at the opening ceremony, thanked the sponsor of the tournament, Chief Lucky Igbinedion for the opportunity to participate in the tournament and the esprit de corp it’s creating among service personnel in the state.
Present at the opening ceremony were the chief host and sponsor of the tournament, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, military and paramilitary service commanders, Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonyen, Hon. Anselm Ojezua, captains of industries among other dignitaries.
High point of the marches were the presentation of awards to the man of the various matches.
The tournament continues on Saturday.