Timothy Omobude 
The Senator representing Edo South in the National Assembly, Neda Imasuen, has flagged off an ambitious grassroots football initiative aimed at harnessing the energy of young people and nurturing the next generation of Nigerian football stars.
At a ceremony in Benin City, the Senator inaugurated a seven-man organising committee to steer the maiden edition of the Edo South Unity Football Cup, an under-18 tournament designed to serve as a talent-discovery platform for youths across the district.
Speaking at the inauguration, Senator Imasuen said the competition was more than just a sporting event, describing it as a vision to produce future footballers who could play for elite clubs and represent Nigeria on the global stage.
“This is the beginning of a journey. A step of a thousand miles starts with one step, and today we are taking that step,” he said. “We want to attract our young men into meaningful ventures, and through this Unity Cup, I believe that five or ten years from now, we will be celebrating those who started here but are making waves across the world.”
The organising committee is chaired by Mr Erhunmwunse Newton Fred of the Edo Football Association, with Moshood Karim as Secretary. Other members include Paul Ojeisekhoba, Kehinde Osagiede, Nosakhare Igunma, Osaruyi Asemota and Johnson Egharaevba while former Edo State commissioner for transport, Orobosa Omo-Ojo will serve as the coordinator.
Fred, in his acceptance remarks, thanked the Senator for entrusting them with the responsibility and pledged to deliver a well-organised tournament. “We will do everything possible to ensure that this vision does not end in vain. This tournament will stand as a legacy for Edo South youth,” he assured.
Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kehinde Osagiede, praised Senator Imasuen’s foresight in empowering youths through sports. He said Edo South is blessed with raw footballing talent, and with the right support, the district could produce more stars in the mould of Augustine Eguavoen and Jay-Jay Okocha.
“This is the first step, and with the vision Senator Imasuen has set in motion, I have no doubt that Edo South will become a nursery for national and international football stars,” Osagiede added.
The tournament will feature eight teams—one representing each of the seven local governments in Edo South, with two teams from Oredo Local Government. Winners will walk away with cash prizes, while individual awards will also be given to outstanding players in various categories.
Senator Imasuen stressed that the initiative is not just about competition but about providing opportunities for youths to channel their energy positively, reduce vices, and give them hope for a brighter future.
