… Says team ready to compete for NPFL title, continental slot
By EDWARD OSEGHE
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Bendel Insurance Football Club for their impressive performance and victory at the Bayelsa Preseason Tournament, where they emerged champions after a flawless run.
Enabulele gave the commendation on Monday when he received the triumphant team in a brief reception at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. He described their display in Yenagoa as a “perfect run,” noting that the team won all four matches, scoring 10 goals without conceding any.
“Thank you for this beautiful gift. What a way to begin the week. With the quality of players we have assembled and the exploits in Yenagoa, I am confident that we are heading into the 2025/26 NPFL season not as underdogs but as genuine contenders. Our target is a CAF competition ticket, and we can now add the league title to our ambitions,” Enabulele said.
He praised head coach Greg Ikhenoba, his technical crew, and the club management for their professionalism in rebuilding the squad, stressing that player recruitment was based strictly on merit.
“I told the coach from the beginning that no player should be imposed on him. Recruitment must be professional and based on genuine assessment. The results are now evident. Last season, we finished fifth and narrowly missed a CAF Confederation Cup ticket.
“This same club was struggling in 19th and 20th positions before I assumed office. Today, we are building a side that can compete among Nigeria’s best,” he added.
Enabulele also recalled the criticism that followed the release of 25 players during the squad overhaul, but expressed satisfaction that the bold decisions were beginning to pay off.
The Edo Sports Commission boss assured the team of continued government support and urged them to remain focused ahead of the new campaign.
Insurance’s Flawless Bayelsa Run
Bendel Insurance began their tournament campaign with a 2-0 victory over Bayelsa United before thrashing Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri 4-0. They went on to defeat Bayelsa United U-20 3-0 in the semifinals and sealed the title with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Warri Wolves in the final on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
The “Benin Arsenal” returned to Benin City on Sunday afternoon with the trophy, sparking celebrations among fans and stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
Insurance FC will kick off their 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with an away fixture against El Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri on Friday, August 22, 2025.
