(L-R) Former national football team stars, Henry Nwosu, Jay Jay Okocha presenting a cup to Edo State Gov. Adams Oshiomhole
Former Super Eagles players including Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Henry Nwosu, Mutiu Adepoju, Tarila Okorowanta, Friday Elaho, Thompson Oliha, Baldwin Bazuaye, Austin Eguavoen, among others last Sunday laced their boots in support of the re-election bid of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as Governor of Edo State.
The ex-internationals who played a novelty match against their Edo State counterparts, said they are pleased to identify with the Comrade Governor due to his developmental strides in the State.
During a solidarity visit to the Governor at the Government House, Monday, Secretary of the Association of Professional Footballers of Nigeria (APFON), Austin Popo, who spoke on behalf of the ex-internationals said the Governor has left no one in doubt that he has the welfare and well-being of the Edo people at heart, and expressed the hope that after the gubernatorial election billed for this weekend in the state, the body will organise another football match to mark the victory of the Comrade Governor.
Also speaking, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, expressed delight at the performance of Comrade Oshiomhole, adding that the visit is the body’s own way of supporting the re-election of the Comrade Governor.
Responding, Edo State Governor, Comrade Oshiomhole thanked the association for the solidarity visit.
He expressed his determination to further transform Edo State in his second term, pointing out that his urban renewal drive, particularly as it affects Benin City has not been completed, and that it will be completed in his second term.
Comrade Oshiomhole noted that after laying the foundation for the development of football in the state, especially with the engagement of former Super Eagles Coach, Amodu Shaibu, to hunt for young talented footballers in Edo State, more funds will be made available to boost the development of the game in his second term, and that the fortune of Bendel Insurance Football Club will be reshaped.
Highlight of the solidarity visit was the presentation of a victory cup to the Comrade Governor by Austin Jay Jay Okocha and Austin Popo on behalf of other members of the association, while the governor was installed the Grand Patron of the association.
The Sunday match was won by the ex-internationals who defeated their Edo State counterparts 4-1 with Okocha scoring a brace while Okorowanta and Bazuaye scored the other goals. Steven Cole scored a consolation goal for the Edo Best made up of mixture of ex-Super Eagles players and others who played professional football in the state in the past.