NPFL side Bendel Insurance have been drawn bye and will start the journey to the Federations Cup from the quarter finals as the Edo FA cup Draws reveal.

The Edo State Football Association (Edo FA) successfully conducted the draws for the 2026 Edo FA Cup in a well-organized and widely attended ceremony held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

The event attracted a distinguished audience comprising top government functionaries, football administrators, club proprietors, coaches, referees, media practitioners, corporate partners, and enthusiastic supporters of the game. The impressive turnout underscored the growing importance of the Edo FA Cup as a premier platform for grassroots football development and talent discovery within the state.

The ceremony commenced with the opening address delivered by the Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, Mr. Fred Newton Erhunwunse, who warmly welcomed everyone and emphasized the significance of the competition. In his remarks, he stated:

“The Edo FA Cup continues to stand as a cornerstone of our football development strategy; uniting communities, inspiring young talents, and providing a credible pathway to national prominence. Today’s draw signifies the beginning of another exciting chapter, and I charge all participating teams to uphold the highest standards of discipline, sportsmanship, and excellence throughout the competition.”

In a strong show of institutional support, the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Desmond Amadin Enabulele, was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Efe Amenze, who conveyed the Commission’s goodwill message. She reiterated the Commission’s commitment to sports development and commended the Edo FA for its consistency in organizing impactful competitions that align with the state’s broader sporting objectives.

Further reinforcing the importance of public-private collaboration in sports development, the Head of Corporate Communications and Planning of DAAR Communications PLC delivered a keynote address on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Raymond Dokpesi Jnr. In his speech, he described the partnership between DAAR Communications PLC and the Edo State FA as strategic and value-driven, aligning with the media organization’s longstanding vision of promoting sports through effective visibility and engagement. He announced that DAAR Communications PLC, as a major partner of the 2026 Edo FA Cup, has committed to supporting the competition through the provision of fully sponsored football kits for all semifinalists, thereby enhancing the quality and prestige of the tournament.

The Honourable Commissioner for Youth, Hon. Charity Amayaenvbo, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the transformative impact of the Executive Governor’s SHINE Vision under the leadership of Senator Monday Opebholo. He commended the Edo State FA for its proactive role in driving this vision through football, particularly in youth engagement, talent development, and community inclusion.

The event was further graced by an array of eminent personalities within the football and sports ecosystem. Notable among them were former Bendel Insurance and Green Eagles player, Mr. Emmanuel Obasuyi (popularly known as “Shakara”); Mrs. Sabrina Chikere, Executive Director (Sports Development and Operations), Edo State Sports Commission; Mr. Austin Popo, Member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Player Status and Arbitration Committee; Mr. Anto Lecky, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism and Special Adviser to Bendel Insurance FC; Hon. Baldwin Bazuaye, Executive Director representing Edo South Senatorial District in the Edo State Sports Commission, alongside several other respected stakeholders.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the formal presentation of jerseys by the representative of DAAR Communications PLC to the Edo State Sports Commission. This symbolic gesture further demonstrated the strength of the partnership and its direct impact on participating teams.

Following the ceremonial proceedings, the event transitioned seamlessly into the official draws, which determined the fixtures for the upcoming competition. The 2026 Edo FA Cup will feature a total of 25 teams, comprising 21 male teams and 4 female teams. Defending champions, Bendel Insurance FC (men’s category) and Edo Queens FC (women’s category), will be aiming to defend their titles against a competitive field of challengers.

The tournament is scheduled to kick off later this month, with expectations high for a thrilling and competitive championship that will continue to elevate the standard of football in Edo State.

The Edo State Football Association reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the development of football through transparent organization, strategic partnerships, and sustained investment in grassroots initiatives.

•Text mostly drawn from the Edo FA media. Photo shows Edo FA Chairman Fred Erhumwunse (3rd from left) with other football stakeholders during the Edo FA Cup Draws in Benin City.

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