Top Nigerian football stars including Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, Stephen Keshi, Peter Rufai among others are billed to showcase their skills at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on July 1 in support of the second term bid of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.
In a statement issued by the Association of Professional Footballers of Nigeria, signed by ex-Green Eagles Player, Austin Popo, the match will feature ex-International footballers against their Edo State counterparts.
According to the release: “It is the opinion of the Players’ Union that it is only a striker who has not scored goals during the course of a football match in the first half that can be substituted during the half time. Governor Oshiomhole has demonstrated his ability and capacity as a prolific striker who has scored many goals in all facets of the socio-economic life of the Edo people and the state, including sports development with its far-reaching positive impact on the development of sports men and women.
“It is also true that football and democracy have a common virtue, while democracy is the government of the people, football is a game of the people.
“Comrade Oshiomhole is the People’s Governor. The Union is saying let the people decide, because half time is not full time.”
According to the statement, other ex-international football stars invited for the match include Henry Nwosu (MON), Sylvanus Okpala, Mutiu Adepoju, Ike Shorunmu, Dimeji Lawal, Austin Eguavoen, Garuba Lawal, Friday Ekpo, Friday Elahor and Thompson Oliha.
Others are Toyin Ayinla, Tarila Okorowanta, Yisa Sofoluwe, Bright Omokaro, Samson Ozogula, Dahiru Sadi (MFR), Tafudeen Disu, Baldwin Bazuaye, Ademola Adeshina and Edema Fuludu.