Insurance beats Akwa Starlets to win South South Champion of Champions tourney

Bendel Insurance of Benin on Saturday at the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, defeated Akwa Starlets of Uyo by a lone goal to win the maiden South South Champion of Champions tournament, which featured all the Federation Cup winners in the geo-political zone.

The pulsating encounter witnessed by a host of football enthusiasts, including retired international footballers, saw the 1978 national Challenge Cup champions producing a moment of magic in the 72nd minute to down the stubborn Starlets.

The game had been flowing to and fro until that moment when Insurance was awarded a free kick close to Akwa Starlets box. Everybody expected Insurance to attempt to score from the distance, but the Roland Ewere tutored lads had a different idea. Rather than shooting from the distance, Meyiwa rolled the ball for on-rushing William to cross for Peter Iyamu, who finished delightfully to crown his team champions of the competition.

Earlier, the Edo All Stars defeated a team of former internationals by a lone goal to win a novelty match, which preceded the final game.

The novelty match featured such known retired players as Austin Eguavoen, Kingsley Obiekwu, Joe Okoh, Ambrose Vanzekin, Tony Emoedofu, Edema Fuludu, Emmanuel Okonebho, Karimu Shuaibu, Prince Afejuku, Wilson Oboh and Ndubuisi Okosieme, among others.