Edo State Rugby Association is organising Birthday Rugby Tournament in honour of sports loving Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu who clocked 52 on December 1st.
The tournament is billed to hold tomorrow, December 8th, 2021 at Edo Boys High School, Adolor, in Benin City from 10am to 5pm.
This was mad known to Newsnigeriaonline.com.ng by the Head Coach and organizer of the event, Ntiense Williams on Tuesday.
Williams, popularly known as “Mr Rugby” in Nigeria noted: “The rugby family is indeed very grateful to our Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu who has exhibited his special interest in the development of sports in Edo State and rugby in particular.
“He was exemplified during the 20th National Sports Festival tagged ‘Edo 2020’ when he singlehandedly secured a special waver for our female rugby team to be a scoring event.
“This singular role brought great smiles and fulfilment to our rugby family and our female colleagues in particular whose hope of participating at the event was almost lost.
“It is for this singular reason that we are so elated and will like to sincerely appreciate and celebrate His Excellency on his 52nd birthday with a rugby challenge.
“The rugby matches will be against our perennial rival and sister state, the ‘Delta State Rugby Male and Female Teams’ in the conventional 15-A-Side and 7-A-Side Rugby matches respectively.”
The event will feature a special rugby exhibition by His Excellency’s Team who will be popping the rugby ball for the first time, coupled with many other side attractions.
Meanwhile, he revealed that a great supporter of Schools Rugby in Edo State, Madam Modupeola Irele of the Ehibam GriefShare Foundation has donated two trophies to be presented to the Most Valuable Player (MVP’s) in both male and female events respectively.
The promising event which has already received the nod of His Excellency will also be graced by the Edo State Sports Commission led by its Chairman Barr. Godwin Dudu-Orumen and his team.
