Eigbedion memorial football competition unites community, promotes youth development in Ekpoma

The third edition of the Late Sir Peter Akinhonmi Eigbedion (KSM) Football Competition drew students, alumni and members of the host community to Ekpoma, Edo State, in a week-long event that combined competitive football with a celebration of legacy and community values.

Organised under the auspices of the University Secondary School Old Students Association (USSEOSA) and sponsored solely by Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion, an alumnus of the 1992 set, the tournament ran from 23 to 31 March at the Ambrose Alli University Secondary School football field.

The event, which has grown steadily since its inception, is designed to promote youth development, patriotism, discipline and sportsmanship while honouring the memory of the late Sir Peter Akinhonmi Eigbedion.The closing ceremony attracted a wide array of dignitaries, reflecting the competition’s growing stature.

Among them were Festus Aisabokhale, chief medical director of Ofure Medical Centre, Ekpoma, who chaired the opening ceremony, and the Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Eunice Omonzejie, who chaired the closing ceremony and was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Osagie Ekhator.

Also present was Peter Akhideno, a 1991 alumnus of the school, consultant specialist at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital and immediate past president of Edo Central All Star Football Club, who served as special guest of honour.

Traditional representation came from the palace of the Onogie of Irrua and Okaijesan of Esanland, His Royal Highness Alhaji W.O. Momodu II, who was represented by Chief Christopher Igene and other palace chiefs.Other notable attendees included Cyril Erameh, consultant internal physician and immediate past executive director of the Lassa Fever Institute at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital; Cordelia Aigbevboile, home branch chairman of the University Secondary School Old Students Association; and David Ohiwerei, president of the Ambrose Alli University Medical Students Association (AAUMSA), alongside the association’s sports director, Daniel Omoruyi, and members of his executive.Members of the media and the wider community were also in attendance, underscoring the cultural and social significance of the event.

At the centre of the organisation was the principal of Ambrose Alli University Secondary School, Fidelia Ndudi Ajuwa, whose role as chief host was pivotal to the smooth execution of the tournament. Organisers also highlighted the continued commitment of the sponsor in sustaining the initiative and preserving his father’s legacy.

On the pitch, the competition delivered a series of closely contested matches marked by skill and resilience. The standout fixture was the final between SSS1 and SSS3 male teams.SSS1 raced to a 2–0 lead in the first half, but SSS3 staged a determined comeback to level the score before the end of regulation time.

The encounter was eventually decided via penalties, with SSS1 edging the contest 3–2.In the final standings, SSS1 male team emerged champions in the senior category, while SSS3 female team claimed the senior female title.

At the junior level, JSS2 male and female teams dominated their respective categories, highlighting the depth of emerging talent within the school.Individual honours were also awarded to standout performers, including most valuable players and top scorers across categories.

Beyond results, the tournament reinforced core values of teamwork, discipline, resilience and unity, bringing together participants across generations and backgrounds.

Stakeholders said the competition continues to evolve into more than a sporting event, serving as a platform for community engagement, talent development and the preservation of a legacy that inspires future generations.