Follow Us on Google
Barrister Paul Edeh has informed that the Benue State Football Association (BSFA) has demanded the return of the ancient Township Stadium in Otukpo to the FA, to enable teams to train and host championships.
Edeh, his entire FA Executive Board Members, affiliates, and other stakeholders stormed Otukpo, visited the paramount ruler of Idoma Land, His Royal Majesty Dr. John Odogbo Elaigwu, and made the crucial demand.
A former Match Commissioner and current BSFA Vice Chairman Alex Awunah said, “I have commissioned matches here in the late 80s and early 90s. This ground is very strategic for the youth of Otukpo and Benue State in general.”
On his part, the FA Chairman, Barrister Edeh said, “Teams especially in Otukpo don’t have any place to train or play. They have been relegated to use primary and secondary schools and most times they are not granted permission.
“We have come to reclaim the land. Look at the youths roaming the streets, they want to make a name for themselves but they can’t because there’s no place to use for training. In fact, in the last RATELS Benue Football League which was held a few weeks ago, no team from Otukpo participated because they don’t have a place to train, let alone register to participate.”
Meanwhile, the Och’ Idoma has been installed as the Patron of the Benue State Football Association (BSFA). This came a few days after the paramount ruler of the Tiv Nation, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, emerged as football Grand Patron in Benue state.
Edeh said, “In the past, most state FAs concentrate on the state capital when it comes to football development, but today Benue State FA has come to understand that, that little girl or boy in Ogbadigbo, Adigbo and other communities across the state can make it in various fields of endeavor, outside being doctors, lawyers, journalists, etc.
“For instance, a football legend like Daniel Amokachi and indeed many others have made a whole lot of impacts using football. They are now models, that young ones look up to excel.
“We can restore those good old days when football use to attract so much attention in our communities and various localities and that is why we as an FA Board are very intentional in creating pathways for us to fish out talents that will make Benue and Nigeria proud.”
Responding, the Och’ Idoma while congratulating the new FA board, swiftly enjoined them to always work together and give the chairman maximum support to steer Benue football to higher heights.
Amidst the release of royal blessings through fervent prayers for the FA board as well as his numerous advice, the Och’ Idoma who is the Chairman Idoma Traditional Ruling Council said, “A tree cannot make a forest. You all need to work together to achieve your set goals. As you have elected your chairman with one voice, always support his leadership to do well… Whatever you do now will determine what will be spoken about you in the future.
Edeh then urged the Monarch to approve the annual hosting of the Och’ Idoma Cup.
