Paul Edeh, proprietor, Naija Ratels Football Club, Abuja, was on Saturday in Makurdi elected chairman of the Benue State Football Association (BSFA).

Edeh polled 28 votes to defeat his rival, Godwin Uwua, a former Super Eagles assistant coach, who garnered one vote at the end of the elective congress.

Twenty-nine delegates from the 23 local government areas and other statutory representatives in the state voted in the election.

Edeh told reporters after the election that his vision was to take football in the state to a higher pedestal, in line with international best practices.

“My vision for Benue FA is anchored on a tripod encapsulated in the FIFA Forward Programme 3.0.

“They include increased investment in football development, more impact through the achievement of football development objectives, and continued oversight to ensure that all funds are used responsibly.

“Under my watch, I will ensure that the Local FAs are empowered and given what is due to them,” he said.

The chairman said the board would focus on grassroots and women’s football, welfare for footballers, training of coaches/referees and encouraging education and sports.

He, thereafter, announced a donation of N10 million and a Sienna minivan for the cash-strapped BSFA.

Other members of the new 11-member board were elected unopposed and subsequently sworn in.

The election was monitored by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executive board members and FA chairmen, among other stakeholders.

Edeh replaced Margaret Icheen, who served for three terms before she was elected an executive board member of the NFF.

(NAN)