By Lucky Isibor,
The Edo state Football Association, FA has released the draws for the 2019 AITEO Edo FA cup.
Thirty teams were drawn in the male category while four teams were drawn in the female category.
The defending champions, Dynamo Football club of Iyamho and runners up, Bendel Insurance Football club of Benin were given a bye for the next round in the male category.
The matches billed for the main bowl and training pitch of the University of Benin Sports complex and the S and T Ugbowo, is billed for kick-off on the 17th of April.
In his opening remarks, chairman of Edo Football Association, Hon. Frank Ilaboya restated the commitment of the state’s football governing body to reposition football in the state.
While assuring that the Edo FA is determined to take football in the state to a new level, Ilaboya said: “Our desire to reposition sports in Edo state is still burning. We want to leave football better than we met it. Our desire to take Edo state football to a new level is still burning”.
Ilaboya who’s also the executive chairman of Owan West Local Government Council, lauded the efforts of the Godwin Obaseki led state government in the development of sports in the state.
“I want to thank Edo state government for what they’re doing in the area of sports development. Go to Ogbe Stadium, if you see what is inside, you’ll be proud to be an Edo man. That means you have a good pitch to play. That’s one of the ways to encourage football.”
Also speaking, former Super Eagles coach and football veteran, Coach Alabi Aisien urged the players to use the opportunity of the FA to showcase their football talent.
According to him, “for those who want to make name, this is your greatest moment. Don’t be afraid of any team; don’t say a team is too big. Let nobody be afraid of any name.”
The draw was witnessed by sponsors, players, proprietors of football teams, players, football administrators, members of the press and other stakeholders in football in the state.
