The Edo State Football Association has commended Alexander Okokobioko for supporting grassroots football development after four Edo Selected players attracted scouts’ interest at the 21st Lagos Supremacy Cup. The association also appreciated its partners and promised a stronger squad for the 22nd edition in 2027, Bold Sports reports.
The four players impressed scouts with their performances during the competition and were picked on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, for potential opportunities ahead of the January transfer window.
However, their identities remain undisclosed pending authorisation from the tournament organisers. Their selection represents an encouraging outcome for Edo State’s grassroots football programme, offering the emerging talents opportunities to pursue careers beyond the state.
Officials assembled the Edo Selected squad barely a month before the competition. The players travelled to Lagos on Sunday, November 8, to acclimatise and prepare for the tournament, which commenced the following day. Despite the limited preparation period, their participation produced a significant outcome through the interest shown in four members of the team.
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Edo FA appreciates Alexander Okokobioko’s grassroots support
Edo FA chairman, Mr Fred Newton Erhunmwunsee, expressed appreciation to Alexander Okokobioko, Chief Executive Officer of the Grassroot Football Development Organization. He recognised Okokobioko’s commitment to grassroots football and his contribution towards making Edo Selected’s participation possible.
The chairman also acknowledged the coaches whose players represented the state at the competition. He specifically thanked Mr Darlington Ogbeifun, chairman of Eagle Wings, for providing a football pitch where the players trained before travelling to Lagos. The facility supported their preparations despite the limited time available to assemble the squad.
The association equally recognised the Edo State Government’s contributions to grassroots sports development. Mr Fred Newton Erhunmwunsee extended appreciation to Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, for supporting football development across the state.
Edo Selected’s campaign produces valuable scouting opportunities
Edo Selected opened their campaign on Monday, November 9, with a 5-2 defeat against Atlantic Selected. Despite the result, the team found the net twice through Darlington Oarhe and Omumuka Faithful. However, Atlantic proved more clinical, converting their opportunities to secure victory.
The Edo side subsequently faced 36 Lion FC on Tuesday, November 10, with both teams playing out a goalless draw. Edo Selected sought to improve on their opening performance but struggled to find the breakthrough. The result left them needing victory in their final group-stage fixture.
Their final group-stage encounter came against Beyond Limits FA on Wednesday, November 11. Beyond Limits secured a convincing 5-0 victory, with Memud Olamilekan scoring a hat-trick. Oyeniran Peter and Ahmed completed the scoring as Beyond Limits strengthened their position in the competition.
Although the results ended Edo Selected’s hopes of reaching the final stages, the scouting opportunities provided another positive outcome. Four players attracted attention from scouts, highlighting the value of the competition as a platform for emerging footballers. The association will disclose their identities once the organisers grant the necessary authorisation.
Edo FA targets stronger preparations for 22nd edition
Looking ahead, the Edo State Football Association has promised a more structured approach to next year’s competition. The chairman indicated that the association would review its scouting programme, player selection and preparation process upon returning to Benin City.
The proposed changes will focus on building a stronger and better-organised team for the 22nd Lagos Supremacy Cup in 2027. The association intends to improve its preparation structure and identify players capable of representing Edo State competitively. It also hopes to build on the experience gained from this year’s participation.
Erhunmwunsee also appreciated the Lagos State Football Association chairman, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, for giving Edo Selected the opportunity to participate in the 21st edition. He acknowledged the importance of the invitation in exposing the players to a scouting programme involving emerging talents from different backgrounds.
The chairman further thanked the fans, supporters and football enthusiasts who followed the team’s campaign in Lagos. He also recognised everyone who contributed to the players’ participation, stressing the importance of collective support in creating opportunities for young footballers.
Lagos Supremacy Cup reaches its final day
The 21st Lagos Supremacy Cup will conclude on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Beyond Limits FA and Collin Edwin SC have secured their places in the final, while 36 Lion FC and defending champions Ikorodu City FC will contest third place.
For Edo State, the competition provided an opportunity to expose emerging players to a wider football audience and potential recruitment opportunities. Although Edo Selected could not reach the final, the identification of four players represents an encouraging outcome for the association’s grassroots development programme.
The Edo FA has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening grassroots football and creating more opportunities for emerging talents across the state. With improved preparations planned for the next edition, the association hopes to return in 2027 with a more competitive squad capable of representing Edo State with distinction.
By Emmanuel Onyeacholem
Edo FA Media
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