Sports
Edo FA Holds Elective Congress
As the political storm and related hullabaloo that have since crippled the electoral process in the Edo State Football Association have already been laid to rest by the fact-finding mission of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), it is now certain that the political process will surely run to its conclusion and enthrone new leadership for the heartbeat FA board.
The long-awaited Edo FA Elective Congress has been scheduled for Friday, November 17,2023 in accordance with the decisions and agreement reached during the conflict resolution meeting with the NFf delegates on Monday.
In the notice for the election signed by the new Edo FA, secretary Andrew Ohwifo on Wednesday November 15,2023, the election is scheduled to hold at the Nigeria Air Force Base, Airport Road, Benin City.Time is 11AM.
Participants expected in the process include delegates elected from the (18) Local Goverment Football Councils, and the Statutory delegates from the Referee Association ( Edo Referee council) , Nigeria coaches Association ( Edo state chapter), Premier League representatives ( Bendel Insurance Fc), Nigeria Women Football League ( Edo Queens Fc), Nigeria Women Amateur League ( Fortress Ladies FC), Nation-wide League NLO( Rolly FC). The aforementioned delegates are to decide who leads the new Executive Board of the Edo State Football Association on Friday in Benin City.
The five candidates duly screened and cleared for the chairmanship position are Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, Engr Emmanuel Edekin Imiere, Johnbull Edosomwan, Egbon Victor and Benjamin Owerei.
Kindness Ohiowele,a serving member of the EFA board is the only candidate for the position of the vice chairman and will be returned unopposed.
Seven candidates are contesting for membership positions, which include three current board members. They are Amadin Stephen, Charles Olubayo, Faith Ojeaga. Others are Mike Uhuanmwangho, Mikhail Osakpomwan Igbinovia, Kennedy Ugbodaga, and former board member Paul Ojeisekhoba.
Recall that a high powered three man delegation was sent to Benin City on Monday by the NFF to look into the issues in the Edo FA Elections process.
The NFF fact finding team led by the Vice-President of the Federation Felix Anyansi Agwu, with Alhaji Babagana Kali and Ali Abubakar as members did justice to the issues after a peaceful deliberation with the outgoing Edo FA Board Dr Moses Aghedo in attendance with some other stakeholders of the game in the state, including four championship candidates, local FA chairmen and statutory delegates.
The Anyansi led NFf delegation after their findings, affirmed the major decisions so far taken by the outgoing board,paving the way for the continuation of the electoral process that has suffered several postponements.
Meanwhile,the outgoing Edo FA chairman Dr Aghedo Moses has expressed gratitude to Edo state Government, the Nigeria Football Federation( NFF)and all Edo Football lovers
for their intervention in ensuring restoration of normalcy and peace to the Edo state football family.
“I can’t wait to handover to the new Board of the Edo FA.” Dr Aghedo reacted why speaking with the Observer sports.
While assuring all the contestants of a level playing ground and a hitch free exercise, Dr Aghedo urged all the candidates and other stakeholders to cooperate with the Electoral and Appeal committees headed by SP Saturday Okao (rtd) and Mr Osamudiamen Osagiede respectively to enable them complete the process on Friday.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
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