Benue State set to stage second edition of Governor’s Cup

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has approved immediate preparations for the second edition of the Benue State Governor’s Cup and directed that Nigeria’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup-winning defender, Esther Ene Stephen, be invited home for special recognition.

The governor also approved the provision of 1,000 footballs for the tournament and football academies across the state’s 23 local government areas, as well as the production of jerseys for participating teams.

The decisions were reached on Thursday, November 12, 2026, when Alia received the Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Creativity, Rt. Hon. Nick Eworo, and the Chairman of the Benue State Football Association (BSFA), Chief Dr. Paul Edeh, at Government House, Makurdi.

During the meeting, the governor acknowledged the passion football generates among supporters and the emotional attachment people develop towards their favourite clubs.

In a lighter moment, Alia recalled how someone once presented him with an Arsenal jersey bearing his name at the back, using the experience to illustrate the deep passion football inspires among its followers.

He expressed optimism that the enthusiasm surrounding the game could be channelled towards identifying, developing and nurturing the abundant football talents across Benue State, particularly in communities where young players have limited access to opportunities.

The governor recalled that the maiden edition of the competition under his administration was the best organised in the state’s history, noting that it had provided a platform for discovering talents who are now representing Benue with distinction within Nigeria and beyond.

Alia commended Eworo for his innovative approach and the various initiatives introduced to advance sports development in the state. He also praised Edeh for his efforts in raising the profile of Benue football at both national and international levels.

He charged the commissioner and the BSFA chairman to build on the successes of the previous edition, surpass its achievements and ensure that preparations for the new tournament begin without delay.

Beyond football, the governor directed Eworo to develop modalities for extending similar support to other sports associations in the state, stressing the need to broaden the administration’s investment in sports development.