Hon. Thompson Osagie Celebrates Orhionmwon Football Triumph at Hon. Billy Osawaru Ward Cup Final, Gifts Ugu Ward 9 ₦500,000
PRESS RELEASE
Office of the Executive Chairman
Orhionmwon Local Government Council
The Executive Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Hon. Thompson Osagie, on Monday, January 12, 2026, joined football enthusiasts and dignitaries at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, to cheer the Ugu Ward 9 football team to a resounding victory at the grand finale of the Hon. Billy Osawaru Ward Cup Tournament—a competition organized for teams across Orhionmwon and Uhunmwunde Federal Constituency.
The keenly contested final attracted a distinguished gathering of sports administrators, political leaders, and community stakeholders, including the sponsor and initiator of the tournament, Hon. Billy Osawaru, Member, House of Representatives; Hon. Thompson Osagie, Executive Chairman of Orhionmwon LGA; Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele; Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission; Hon. Bobby Iyahen, Vice Chairman, Uhunmwunde LGA; Dr. Nelson Tenebe; Sir Iyobosa Igharo; Mr. Samuel Iyamu; Mr. Imasuen Bobby; Hon. Austine Ehanire; Hon. Osas Iredia, immediate past Chairman of Uhunmwunde LGA; Mr. Steve Atoe; Mr. Andy Edosa; Mr. Beckins Ugobor; Mr. Harrison Iyomana, among others.
The month-long tournament reached its climax with Ugu Ward 9 (Orhionmwon) locking horns with Ehor Ward 1 (Uhunmwunde) in an explosive final encounter.
Earlier in the day, Urhonigbe Ward 7 (Orhionmwon) dazzled spectators with an emphatic 7–0 victory over Uhunmwunde Ward 7 in the third-place playoff, clinching the bronze medal in a thrilling encounter that saw four goals in the first half and three more after the break—an early indication of the fireworks that would follow in the final.
The championship match officially kicked off with a ceremonial first touch by Hon. Billy Osawaru, setting the tone for a thrilling spectacle. From the blast of the whistle, Ugu Ward 9 asserted dominance, displaying confidence, cohesion, and flair. Their early pressure paid off in the 4th minute, when a penalty was awarded after a foul in the box. Destiny Oyarekua calmly converted the spot kick to give Ugu the lead amid wild celebrations.
However, the joy was momentarily curtailed in the 20th minute when Ehor Ward 1 equalized through a swift counterattack following a midfield lapse, sending both teams into halftime locked at 1–1.
The second half belonged entirely to Ugu Ward 9. With renewed energy and tactical discipline, they overwhelmed their opponents in a breathtaking display of attacking football. Destiny Oyarekua and Obasohan Osagunmwenro proved unstoppable, each scoring a hat-trick to dismantle the Ehor defense. By the final whistle, the scoreboard read 6–1, sealing a convincing and memorable triumph for Orhionmwon amid thunderous applause from the crowd.
Overwhelmed with joy, Hon. Thompson Osagie celebrated with the victorious Ugu Ward 9 players and also commended Urhonigbe Ward 7 for securing third place, describing the day as “a proud and historic moment for Orhionmwon Local Government.”
The highlight of the event was the presentation of trophies, plaques, and cash prizes, jointly conducted by Hon. Thompson Osagie and Hon. Billy Osawaru.
Prize distribution was as follows:
Individual awards (Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, Most Valuable Player, Best Coach, and Best Behaved Team): ₦50,000 each
(All individual awards were won by Ugu Ward 9, except the MVP which went to an Ehor Ward 1 player)
4th Place – Uhunmwunde Ward 7: ₦200,000
3rd Place – Urhonigbe Ward 7: ₦500,000
Runner-up – Ehor Ward 1: ₦700,000
Tournament Winner – Ugu Ward 9: ₦1,000,000
In further appreciation of their outstanding performance, Hon. Thompson Osagie generously donated an additional ₦500,000 to the Ugu Ward 9 team, urging them to remain focused and prepared to defend their title in the next edition.
Speaking to journalists after the event, the Executive Chairman expressed deep appreciation to Hon. Billy Osawaru for sponsoring the tournament, noting that such initiatives are critical to youth empowerment, talent discovery, and community development.
“Youth development and empowerment at the grassroots is a top priority of my administration. Sports is one of the most effective tools for engaging our youths positively, keeping them away from crime, and nurturing their talents. I am proud of our boys today—they represented Orhionmwon with excellence. By next year, we will return stronger and ensure the trophy remains ours,” he said.
In his remarks, Hon. Billy Osawaru expressed satisfaction with the success of the inaugural edition, describing the tournament as a powerful platform for unity, discipline, and youth engagement.
“This tournament goes beyond football. It is about unity, peace, and empowering our youths to believe in themselves. We are committed to sustaining this initiative annually for the development of our constituency,” he affirmed.
The presence and active participation of Hon. Thompson Osagie throughout the tournament finale further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots development, youth empowerment, and the promotion of peace and harmony in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
Signed:
Dennis Ugbudian
Chief Press Secretary to
The Executive Chairman
Orhionmwon Local Government Council
Monday, January 12, 2026
