Egor run riot as Oredo 1 walk over Ovia South-West

By Maxwell Kumoye and Trust Ittai 

 

The maiden Benin Unity Cup served up goals, drama, and a dose of controversy on its second day as Egor Local Government stole the headlines with a commanding 5–1 demolition of Uhunmwode LG at the Crescent Sports Club.

Uhunmwode had shocked everyone with the fastest goal of the tournament, as Hope Oleije struck inside the opening minute. But that early spark only woke a giant.

From then on, it was the Egor show.

Ojelum Ernest drew Egor level in the 8th minute, before Osemwengie Patrick and Courage Ehigie turned the scoreboard around with well-taken goals in the 17th and 39th minutes. 

Ernest returned in the 67th minute to complete his brace, while Nwaigwe Chuka sealed the emphatic victory five minutes into the second half.

The day’s most dramatic moment came off the pitch. Oredo 1 LG were awarded a walkover victory after Ovia South-West failed to show up for their fixture. 

With the mandatory 30-minute grace period expired, match officials had no choice but to hand Oredo 1 3 points and a 3–0 win.

Elsewhere, the tournament opener between Ovia North-East and Ikpoba-Okha ended in a cagey goalless draw, while the final game of the day saw Orhiomwon LG and Oredo 2 battle to a gritty 1–1 stalemate.

With goals flying in and tensions rising, the Benin Unity Cup is already living up to its billing, grassroots football with real bite.