Bendel Insurance Deserves Huge Pampering after Breaking 43 Years Jinx

 

... Learning from Nyesom Wike, Kunle Soname, Orji Uzor Kalu, others

After a staggering 43-year trophy drought from a major silverware, the team defied all odds, coming from the second division and captivating fans, the team made history by lifting the oldest trophy in Nigeria football and clinching a  continental ticket. 

Wednesday, 21st of June 2023, a glorious display of resilience and character from Bendel Insurance etched their names into the chronicles of Edo State's sporting history by clinching the Federation Cup.

It is evident that the unwavering support and visionary leadership of the state governments have played a pivotal role in the team's remarkable journey to glory. 

Governor Godwin Obaseki and Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, true patrons of sports, have consistently demonstrated their deep commitment to restoring Edo State to where it once was as the Home of Sports. This mandate which led to the formation of the Edo Sports Commission has seen the development and success of the Benin Arsenals, which has now soared to unprecedented heights by claiming the Federation Cup in style.

Through the steadfast backing and relentless pursuit of excellence, the state government has not only transformed the fortunes of Bendel Insurance but has also breathed new life into the sporting landscape of the entire state.

While basking in the glory of this major achievement, this writer urges the state government to take a proactive stance in securing the future of our Bendel Insurance. It is crucial that the State Government recognize the indispensable role the players and coaching staff have played in our team's success. 

As they continue to shine brightly, it is only natural that they attract lucrative offers from other clubs seeking to capitalize on their exceptional talents. To ensure that the club retain her invaluable assets and maintain the cohesive unit that has brought them this far, this writer strongly advocates for a handsome rewards system.

Winning a trophy of such magnitude warrants substantial rewards for the players and the dedicated backroom staff who have toiled tirelessly behind the scenes, after such a feat; this writer believes it is time to turn their words into actions and make the boys truly happy as the state governor can seek this opportunity to crest his name in history.

It is without a doubt that rewarding players and backroom staff handsomely has always enhanced players' performances for their teams, served as a means of having the stars of the club remain despite mouth-watering deals from other teams as they will be confident that their life is valued and that could only be the main tool to get more from them. 

States to Emulate or Outdo

Sports enthusiasts around Nigeria will always remember the name of the former Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, the Working Governor, fondly referred to as Gburugburu of Rivers Land. His support for sports has catapulted Rivers United into the limelight not only in Nigeria but the continent where they got as far as the Quarter final of the CAF Confederations Cup.

No longer governor of the state, Wike's generosity to players ($20,000 each for making it to the continent as league winners) has left an indelible mark on the lives of the Rivers United team and their supporters, ensuring they will forever remember him as the man with the 'Capacity Doings.' It is a legacy that Governor Obaseki can aspire to exceed, elevating Bendel Insurance's place in Edo State's sporting landscape.

Most recently, Remo Stars owner, Hon. Kunle Soname (OFR) rewarded players, backroom staff, media team, and supporters club handsomely (#28 million) for securing a continental ticket after finishing as runners-up in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Super Six, how much more a team that renewed the hope of the state - winning two trophies back to back, setting 21-games unbeaten record, winning the FA Cup for the first time in 43 years and returning to the continent after 28 years - I believe in the capacity of the governor and his deputy governor.

Going memory lane, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is a man many around the world will remember for his generosity and rewards to players who gave the State glorious times. Only a few of them are of Abia State origin, but many of them have become Abia indigenes by rewards of Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu.

To truly reward the heroes of Bendel Insurance, some impactful gestures this writer will suggest is to grant each player and backroom staff member a plot of land within the state and have it named the "Bendel Insurance Estate" - have you thought of how big that will ink your name in the heart of millions? Think about it, your Excellency.

If this can't be done, these players should be handsomely rewarded financially for their feat - this is what many governors will be envious of and would have prayed to happen in their state. Your Excellency, if this is not done, heaven will not fall, but a lot would be left to say about a state that prides in success but fails to reward the actors 

This act of appreciation would not only solidify their commitment to the team but also transform them into honorary indigenes of Edo State. 

The prospect of owning a piece of Bendel Insurance Estate, a symbol of the team's legacy and a testament to their achievements, would resonate deeply with the players, their families, and the ardent supporters of Bendel Insurance. Such a gesture would undoubtedly inspire the Benin Arsenals to remain at the pinnacle of their prowess as they venture into the continental stage.

Celebrating Bendel Insurance goes beyond rewards and material tokens of appreciation. Their success signifies the unwavering spirit of Edo State, the tenacity and passion that have come to define them as the "Heartbeat of the Nation." 

As Governor Obaseki continues to solidify his legacy as the "Wake and See Governor," it is imperative that he transcends words and demonstrates his commitment to Bendel Insurance. By rewarding their triumph with tangible and heartfelt gestures, he can engrave his name in the hearts of the players, their families, and the loyal supporters who have stood by their side through thick and thin. 

The time is now for Governor Obaseki to shine the light on Bendel Insurance and ignite the flame of its continued success, as the "Heartbeat of the Nation" beats louder than ever before.

Bendel Insurance vs El Kanemi: How Deputy Governor, Phillip Shaibu, Faith Irabor standstill in honour of Robert Akpenpuun

 

Chairman of the Chairmen of Benue State football council, Robert Akpenpuun was on over the weekend ceremonially " honoured" by Edo State government, and  Former Bendel Insurance striker now Deputy Governor, Comrade Phillip Shaibu for his consistent "moral uprightness" in the Nigeria football industry as he commissioned his last NPFL fixture before proceeding on Diplomatic journey, anytime soon. 

It was indeed a memorable day for the chairman of Vandeikya football council, Robert Akpenpuun seeing the new Head of  Nigeria Referees Appointment Committee of NFF, Faith Irabor  who equally joined the Sports- loving Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu as a mark of respect while 

players of both teams, Bendel Insurance and El Kanemi Warriors created an atmosphere best described as " Military Guard of Honour" to celebrate the highly "valor" Benue State football administrator,  Akpenpuun whilst passing through the aisle. 

Comrade Phillip Shaibu and Faith Iraboh in their remarks, spoke glowingly of the seasoned Match Commissioner, Robert Terlumun Akpenpuun publicly;

" I have known Robert Akpenpuun for years and he has always demonstrated uncompromising attitude whenever his duty calls in this industry. He is very diligent, focused, and ever ready  to give his best as a football administrator; and I am using this opportunity to bid him farewell on his journey out of Nigeria as a career diplomat. " Shaibu remarked with verve

Meanwhile, according to Faith Irabor;

" Robert Akpenpuun is not just one of the rare personalities with good track records in our football system but a brother, who exude qualities of a good leader; one of the major reasons he is wearing different caps aside from being a responsible 

Commissioner. When I got the hints about his promotion, I was very elated knowing that, it is a genuine sign of hard work and Grace; because he is moving on with his career paths and I believe the sky would be the starting point for him." Irabor enthused

Robert Akpenpuun as a senior figure amongst the Nigeria football federation (NFF) Protocol committee members had seamlessly ushered in major Drivers of football globally into the country, ie; FIFA President, Giovanni Vincenzo "Gianni" Infantino,

, Former CAF president, Ahmad Ahmad and Atletico Madrid Head Coach, Diego Simone amongst other international personalities in the football circle. He is also highly ranked with ( Star badges) as a staff of Nigerian Immigration Service.

Owumi: Why IMC Choose Select Match Balls For NPFL

 

Head of Operations of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Prince Davidson Owumi, has revealed why the Interim Management Committee opted for Select ball as official match balls for the league.  

Kaduna-based Markana Management are the official partners of NPFL and supplier of the Select match balls for the 2022/2023 season, after sealing a deal with the IMC.

Akwa United, Bendel Insurance and 18 other NPFL clubs received 24 official Select match balls each, with the  presentation done at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium (Nest of champions) Uyo, the venue of the 2023 NPFL Abridged League opening season game.

Owumi: "It's good to have Markana Management as one of our partners.

The choice of Select match balls design is unique for the NPFL, as all 20 clubs now have same kind of branded balls, which is good publicity for our domestic league.

" The next stage is the branding of these balls. We plan to domesticate then to suit our product." 

The Select match design features black and Navy Blue colour and cool graphic  outlines to make it pop from the white ball.

Meanwhile, Ekene Adams, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Markana Management expressed his delight after he said: "This is a step in the right direction for the NPFL and the many good plans the Interim Management Company (IMC) has for the league. 

"We are trying to do something new and positive with the NPFL. Markana Management has a long-term plan for the development of the domestic league in Nigeria by including all the Under 17 teams of all the clubs.

"We are discussing developmental projects with the office of the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as well."

Match fixing scandal rocks NNL Super 8 as plans to promote Bendel Insurance at all cost is uncovered

Match-fixing scandal is set to continue in the Nigeria National League in a shameful conduct that has ruffled feathers in the second tier division.

The NNL has come under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons over suspected match-fixing on the day 2 of the Super 8 in Enugu.

Feelers from the Coal City has it that Bendel Insurance and Ekiti United is done and dusted.

Players of Ekiti United and referees have been fully renumerated by officials of Bendel Insurance.  

This might be the end of league football in Nigeria, an end to bad officiating in our football and an end to corruption in Nigeria football.

The NNL too must be ready for the mother of all battles with the way they are taking sides in their decisions. 

The obvious signs are there. Even today, Insurance lived up to their name as it was gathered that the football body have promised them promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Officiating and decisions in Nigeria National League is the worst around the world. 

The time for all sane stakeholders to rise up and fight for the soul of Nigeria football is now. Why will Insurance be promised promotion at the Super 8.

During the Super 8 draw at the Autella Hotel, the modalities weren't well spelt out on how schedules will be done.

Now the NNL has decided to fix the game between Remo Stars and Bendel Insurance at UNEC because they don't want eyes to see the game.

This is a plan to ensure that Insurance beat Remo Stars and seal their place to the NPFL.

It will be recalled that Shooting Stars and Remo Stars have four points each. Insurance and Ekiti United are pointless.

In the coming days, there will be crisis and rumours of crisis in Nigeria football. Men will be exposed.

NNL Super 8: Ogunjobi Gold Cup charges 3SC, Tornadoes, Remo Stars, Gombe United to win promotion ticket

 Nigeria's prestigious pre-season tournament for teams in the domestic leagues, Ogunjobi Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament has charged the quartet of Shooting Stars (3SC), Niger Tornadoes, Remo Stars and Gombe United to clinch a promotion ticket.

 

Shooting Stars and former Ogunjobi Gold Cup champion Niger Tornadoes, the duo of Remo Stars and Gombe United plus other four teams El-Kanemi Warriors, DMD FC of Borno, Ekiti United and Insurance of Benin will be chasing the four available tickets for Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL) football next season.

 

 

Niger Tornadoes

Ogunjobi Gold Cup General Coordinator, Tunde Shamsudeen gave the charge after Remo Stars emerged top of the Southern Conference Group B2 ahead of Insurance.

 

"Over the years, the Ogunjobi Gold Cup has grown to become a brand in Nigeria's domestic football, as it has given teams the needed platform to prepare for the new seasons.

 

 

"Shooting Stars, Niger Tornadoes, Remo Stars and Gombe United are teams that have used the platform to know the strength and weakness of their squads going into the season.

 

 

Remo Stars

"So having come this far, it's best the four teams cap their hard work by earning promotion from the NNL playoff. 

 

 

"We believe they can, looking at their pedigree in the NNL season that ended. Though it's going to be a different ball game in Enugu, which of course is a neutral ground for the eight (8) teams, irrespective of their good form in the season.

 

"However from what I saw in some of the home and away matches involving 3SC, Tornadoes, Remo Stars and Gombe United, I can place a bet on them to gain promotion to the NPFL, as the teams have a sound coaching crew and players that will surely deliver the goods."

 

 

Shooting Stars

The week-long football fiesta will be staged at the 22,000 capacity Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, Enugu State from Tuesday 7th through to Saturday 11th September.

 

 

Draw for the playoff will be conducted on Monday 6th September 2021 with the opening ceremony and first game holding the next day

Governor Aregbesola inspires Osun United to victory over Insurance

State of Osun Governor, Rauf Aregbesola's presence at the Osogbo Township Stadium on Wednesday boosted the morale of Osun United as they recorded a convincing 2-0 win over Bemdel Insurance of Benin in one of the Match day two of Nigeria National League, NNL.