The 2025 Benue State Football Association (BSFA) Margaret Icheen State Football League Sunday, officially kicked off at the Benue State University Sports Complex, in Makurdi.
In his opening speech, the Chairman of BSFA Dr. Paul Edeh when he came in, he decided to name the tournament, the Margaret Icheen State League, in honor of the respected football administrator.
He noted that since the tournament started it has continued to serve as a key platform for unearthing and nurturing young talents across Benue state.
He highlighted the tournament’s growth and increased participation noting that the number of registered teams has signified a meaningful increase, demonstrating the tournament’s expansion.
The BSFA chairman announced attractive prize money for the top three positions, with the winner receiving ₦500,000, the runner-up ₦300,000, and the third-place team ₦200,000.
Additionally, the last eight teams will receive a set of new jerseys and five balls, while four coaches will be awarded scholarships to study at the Nigeria Institute of Sports (NIS) in Abuja.
Chief Margaret Icheen, in her speech, expressed commendation to the BSFA chairman for naming the league after her.
She emphasised the tournament’s potential to identify talents from the grassroots level and expressed her determination to have more teams from Benue playing at the premiership level.
Philip Nongu, Chairman of Lobi Stars FC and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, urged participating teams to strive for excellence and wished them a successful tournament.
The league is expected to showcase emerging talents and potentially produce teams that will represent Benue at the national level.
Meanwhile, the opening match which was between Unity FC and Solash FC ended 6-1 against Solash FC.
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