Dynamo FC lifts Gregory Imafidon Foundation Gold Cup

PATIENCE OGBO

Dynamo FC has emerged victorious at the 2nd Edition of Gregory Imafidon Foundation under 15 boys football tournament in Benin City Edo State.

Dynamo FC of Benin defeated Ines Stars FC of Benin on penalties by 5 goals to 4 after the match ended on 2 – 2 draw.

The tournament sponsored by Mr. Gregory Imafidon, a certified nursing practitioner based in Dallas Texas USA was organised by the Federation of Youth Soccer clubs (FEYSOC) an affiliate of the Nigeria Football Federation.

The weeklong tournament which had teams from the South South zone of Nigeria came to a close at the University of Benin Sports complex.

Unique FC of Edo State defeated the Great Avengers FC of Delta State on penalties by 5-4 to win third place match.

The high point of the day was the presentation of scholarship to two deserving players, Efe Ogiagbe of Ines FC Benin City and Emeka Utomi of Unique FC Benin City.

Third place winner Unique FC got N70, 000, while runner up Ines Stars FC Benin got the sum of N100, 000, and the champion Dynamo FC Benin City got N150, 000.

Medals were presented to the referees, third place winner, runner up and the overall champion. The best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, top scorer, MVP, coach, fair play team, outstanding player were also rewarded with cash and gift items.

Mr. Imafidon thanked the organisers, FEYSOC and all who contributed to the success of the event.

He said “I want to use the occasion to appeal to the State Government, traditional institutions and well meaning Edo sons and daughters home and abroad to support the foundation and help take the youths off the streets”.

Present at the finals was former Super Eagles captain and coach, Austin Eguavoen, his elder brother, Monday Eguavoen, Isaac Uzamere Otata who had been of a great support. Also present was1985 under 17 ex-Super Eagles and the Chief Coach of Bendel Insurance FC, Baldwin Bazuaye, Europe base ex-Bendel Insurance defender, Omoruyi Odiase, and Bendel Insurance Assistant Coach, Gregory Ikhenoba.

Mr. Imafidon said the tournament will go national next year.

In his word, “The annual competition is being organised to contribute towards the development of youth sports in Edo State with the ultimate aim of reducing the high rate of crime among youths. The ultimate goal is engaging the youth meaningfully ,empowering the youths through skill acquisition, creating health care awareness, assisting the
less privileged and to promote educational advancement for the youths so as to channel their energy into positive ventures”.