Ineh Stars have emerged new kings of the FROT Group/Edo FA Cup courtesy of a deserved 3-0 victory over Dynamite Force at the packed Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

The winners made their intent known early on when they grabbed the opener under 45 seconds before they sealed an emphatic victory with two late goals to send their fans into rapturous celebrations.

In the women’s final, Edo Queens triumphed over Martin White Doves 2-0, while Fortress Princess came third. Buffalo FC defeated last year’s winners BJ Foundation in the men’s third-place game.

The winners will represent the state at the Champion of Champions Cup for FA Cup winners from the South-South zone. It would be sponsored by FROT Group and hosted by Edo State.

The first, second and third place teams in the men’s category received N500,000, N300,000 and N200,000 respectively. Edo Queens received N50,000 for their effort while the women’s second and third place teams got N30,000 and N20,000 respectively, courtesy of Osarodion Ogie, the Edo State Commissioner for Works and Housing.

Vice President of FROT Group, Regina Momoh, said she was impressed with the organisation, standard of play and fans’ turnout, and promised to continue to support the Edo FA to develop the youths.

Also, FROT Group boss, Frank Momoh, who watched the video of the game while in London, said, “I watched the men and women’s finals and I’m elated with what I saw. The FROT Group will continue to support Edo FA as they aim to move Edo football to the next level.”

According to Chairman, Edo FA, Frank Ilaboya, the medals and jerseys for the women finalists were provided by MD, Wesley Hotels, Wesley Asoro and MD, Big Joe Ventures, Sunny Osayande while the Youngest Player Award was provided by CEO Channels TV, John Momoh.

The MVP award was donated by Sunny Obazu-Ojeagbase, Best Behaved Team by Chris Oshaifi, Best Goalkeeper by Tom Uloko, Best Referee by Percy Okojie, top scorer award by Ikponmwonsa Edebiri and Victor Twothings.

“It was a wonderful competition and I want to thank the sponsors who made this year’s edition more glamorous and the best ever. I also want to thank the state governor for his support, the members of the O&D and security committees, the individual donors, clubs, players, officials and fans for a great tournament,” Ilaboya stated.

“We hope to make next year’s edition much bigger than what we had this year. Our next target is the state league and then the Champion of Champions Cup in the South-South.”

The Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Henry Idahagbon, and the Chairman of the Edo State Government Economic and Strategy Team, Godwin Obaseki, represented Governor Adams Oshiomhole on the occasion.