Friends and associates of the Edo State’s incoming governor, Senator Monday Okpebolo, and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, are planning a novelty match as part of the new government’s inauguration activities fixed for November 12, 2024.According to Edo State’s former FA Chairman, Frank Ilaboya, who is leading the organising committee, the match will be held on November 11, which is a day before the swearing-in at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.So far, numerous friends & associates of the governor-elect and his deputy have indicated interest to participate and support the successful prosecution of the match.Ilaboya, a former chairman of Owan West Local Council of Edo State, as well as, chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos State chapter, said that many friends of the governor-elect and his deputy have signed up for the game, adding that some ex-internationals are also expected to play in the match.“We have pencilled down more than five ex-internationals to feature in the match.
They are also eager and excited to take to the pitch once again in what promises to be a reunion of some sort.Top football and sports personalities and administrators are also coming for the ceremony.” He said that the novelty match saw the governor-elect leading a team against a side comprising ex-internationals and other football enthusiasts.Also speaking on the match, the Edo APC Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, said that the incoming governor is a youthful and sports-loving personality, adding: “We feel that there is no better time to show this, hence this novelty match.“The good news is that the governor-elect and his deputy are very enthusiastic about this match and looking forward to it with glee.”He added