In just 100 days, Governor Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, have redefined Edo State’s sports landscape. Their administration has ushered in a new era of excellence, investment, and achievement. Their commitment to sports is already yielding remarkable results across football, cricket, and sports administration.
Bendel Insurance’s Remarkable League Revival
One of the administration’s standout achievements is the resurgence of Bendel Insurance FC. When they assumed office, the club was struggling in 20th place in the Nigerian Premier Football League. Through strategic funding, improved player welfare, and enhanced technical support, Bendel Insurance has climbed the league table. The team is now just four points away from securing a continental competition spot. This turnaround is a testament to the administration’s swift intervention and dedication to football development in Edo State.
Edo Cricket’s Global Triumph
Edo State’s cricket scene has witnessed a historic transformation. Under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, Edo’s cricketing talents shone on the world stage. An impressive contingent of nine players, along with the technical adviser from the Edo State Cricket Team, made the Nigerian squad that stunned the cricketing world by defeating New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland at the ICC U-19 World Cup in Malaysia in January 2025. This success underscores the government’s commitment to grassroots sports development and support for emerging sports.
A Landmark Sports Appointment
In a bold move, Governor Okpebholo appointed Mrs. A.P. Efe Amenze as the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Sports Commission through the civil service cadre—a feat not achieved in a long time. This appointment has restored professionalism and structure within sports administration. It ensures that sports policies in Edo State are driven by experienced civil servantswith a deep understanding of the field.
Edo Queens’ Historic CAF Champions League Run
Three days into his tenure, Governor Okpebholo approved funding for Edo Queens FC. This support enabled the team to compete fiercely in the CAF Women’s Champions League. Their investment paid off as Edo Queens reached the semi-finals—an achievement no Nigerian female football team had ever recorded. Their remarkable run in the tournament showcased Edo State’s commitment to gender inclusivity in sports and solidified its position as a powerhouse in African women’s football.
Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele: A Game-Changer for Edo Sports
The appointment of Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele as Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission has proven to be a masterstroke. His visionary leadership, transparency, and relentless drive have rejuvenated the state’s sports atmosphere. Under his guidance, Edo State successfully secured the hosting rights for the upcoming National Sports Festival eliminations for ball games (South-South Zone) from February 23rd-28th, 2025. This marks a significant achievement, as Edo has not hosted this event in the last 15 years. Hon. Enabulele continues to work tirelessly to ensure that Edo State remains a hub for national sports activities.
A Bright Future for Edo Sports
In just 100 days, Governor Okpebholo and his deputy have demonstrated that sports are a crucial part of their administration. From reviving football and cricket to investing in women’s sports and restructuring sports administration, their leadership is laying a solid foundation for Edo State to become Nigeria’s leading sports hub. If these first 100 days are any indication, the future of Edo sports is bright under their administration.
Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele is the
Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission
