Sponsors of the men and women’s category of the AITEO Cup, AITEO Group, have promised to enable even more spectacle and glamour for the next edition of the competitions as the euphoria of Sunday’s classic grand finale in Benin City is still to die down.
The company also felicitated with the deserving winners of the 2021 Aiteo Cup finals in the men and women competitions: Bayelsa United FC and Bayelsa Queens FC.
The football fiesta in Benin City had BAYELSA written all over it on Sunday as Bayelsa United FC and Bayelsa Queens FC became the first teams from the same State to claim both honours in Nigeria’s Cup competition.
Despite driving rain at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, all four teams fought hard for the gongs, refusing to allow the elements to affect their hunt for honours or dampen their enthusiasm.
“We are satisfied with the level of play and organisation which has facilitated the discovery of fresh talent for the National Teams,” AITEO Group’s Head of Corporate Communications, Media and Events, Ndiana Matthew told the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“As a responsible and sustainable organisation, we hope that as we continue to secure the nation’s future energy, the AITEO Cup will continue to discover new markets, platforms and resources from the grassroots, enabling economic prosperity for all stakeholders involved,”
Bayelsa Queens and FC Robo Queens displayed grit, guts and gumption in the women’s final, with both teams refusing to be discouraged by pouring rain. The turf of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium also held firm and remained playable as all four teams wrote new chapters in the story of Nigeria’s oldest competition.
Super Eagles’ nifty forward Gift Monday exhibited the traits of a true leader for FC Robo Queens, with her remarkable football sense, guile and bravery. But the queens from Yenagoa had free-scoring Mary Anjor, who emerged the competition top scorer with eight goals, and it was a bridge too far for the Lagos girls.
Anjor’s early goal and relentless push and assists earned Bayelsa Queens a 4-2 win.
The men’s final was no less interesting, producing four goals in 45 minutes as both Nasarawa United and Bayelsa United chased their first-ever national honour and a ticket to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Second-tier Bayelsa United took off from where they left off in the earlier rounds against more illustrious (first-tier) opponents, in which they beat Rangers International, Lobi Stars and Rivers United. A 19th minute goal by Inikurogha Okardi (brother of former Flying Eagle Blessing Okardi) set them on their way.
However, Nasarawa United responded immediately through Chinedu Ohanachom. Aliyu Abubakar shot the Solid Miners ahead seven minutes later but with nine minutes to interval, Emo James nodded in brilliantly to draw level. The second half produced fireworks but no goal, and NPFL goleador Silas Nwankwo was among those who failed to score from six yards in the ensuing penalty shoot-out.
Dignitaries included the Executive Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki; President of NFF and FIFA Council Member, Amaju Melvin Pinnick; Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu; Former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Silas Agara;
Also in attendance was the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo ; Kola Daniel, Representative of the Minister of Sports; Ndiana Matthew, Representative of Executive Vice Chairman of AITEO Group; First Lady of Edo State; Members of the NFF Executive Committee and Management; top officials of the Edo State cabinet; special advisers and political and business bigwigs.
Strict COVID-19 protocols meant only 30 percent of the room in the stands of the 20,000–capacity stadium was taken up, yet the fans loudly and joyfully made their presence felt.
“We congratulate every team that participated in this year’s finals as well as all stakeholders who facilitated the grand finale, the host government, Edo State and our partners, Nigeria Football Federation,” Ndiana Matthew added.
President of NFF and FIFA Council Member, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, said the Federation is happy with sponsors AITEO and will continue to ensure the organization of the competition is top-notch.
AITEO, Nigeria’s leading energy solutions company and diversified conglomerate, became NFF’s Exclusive Optimum Partner in early 2018, and the same year grabbed the sponsorship of the Federation Cup, renaming it AITEO Cup.
