Sports

Bendel Insurance Mgt Motivates Bendel Insurance Players Ahead Of Sunshine Clash In Ijebu-Ode

Published

7 months ago

October 31, 2024

The management of Bendel Insurance Football Club led by the Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Olympian Yussuf Alli, has urged the players and official of the Benin Arsenals to put the thoughts of the home defeat behind them and concentrate on their next match at Ijebu-Ode on Sunday.

The Edo State Sports Commission boss said that the Match Day 10 against Sunshine Stars on Sunday in Ijebu-Ode is more important than the 1-0 defeat to Abia Warriors on Saturday in Benin.

Yussuf Alli Oly was speaking when he paid the team a surprise visit during their evening training session on Wednesday with a pleasant motivation package of undisclosed amount of money

He told the team that though the management is not happy with their below par performance so far this season, but will however continue to encourage them to strive for success which is near if the right attitude and energy is put up.

“I am here this afternoon to encourage you to put the thoughts of the home defeat behind you and have hundred percent concentration for the next match. Go to Ijebu-Ode and win to fully recover from the last weekend setback.

“I must tell you the truth that we are not happy with the results we are getting. There is a growing concern by stakeholders about our performance and current situation in the league.We have done all that is required for you to succeed and it is not showing.

“However, we want to believe that soon, we will rise above the challenges and find our rhythm and winning mentality. Don’t feel despair but continue to work hard and avoid distractions. You guys are good,it is just little mistakes we are making that is affecting us and we can correct them.” Alli said.

He challenged the players and coaches to seize the opportunity of the Ijebu-Ode neutral ground for the match against Sunshine Stars to cover their lost grounds.

Responding, the Head Coach and Technical Director of Bendel Insurance FC, Monday Odigie expressed the team’s appreciation for the kind words and encouragement from the Sports Commission chairman against the expectation that the chairman was going to be hard on them.

“Mr Chairman we sincerely appreciate you sir. We will continue to work hard and do our best to turn things around. We apologize for the outcome of the Abia Warriors game,” he said.

Sunday Megwo’s 40th minute goal gave Abia Warriors a 1-0 victory over Bendel Insurance Football Club in the Match Day 9 of the Nigeria Premier Football League in Benin last weekend.

Bendel Insurance will be on the road to Ijebu-Ode on Sunday to face Sunshine Stars in the March Day 10 fixture. Kick off time is 4pm.

Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance duo of Michael Enaruna (Forward )and captain Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi(Midfield) have been invited to the camp of Nigeria’s home based Super Eagles for the CHAN 2025 Tournament.

The duo are already in the camp of the National team in Abuja as they were not seen on the training ground of the Benin Arsenals yesterday.

Sports

JUST IN: Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms Al Nassr’s Stay, To Sign New Deal

Published

4 days ago

June 9, 2025

Editor

Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to extend his stay with Saudi pro side Al Nassr and is even ready to sign a new deal.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s post on X on Monday, the Portuguese have dismissed rumours of leaving Al Nassr.

The post read, “Cristiano Ronaldo confirms plan to stay at Al Nassr by signing a new deal.

“My future? Basically, nothing is gonna change. Staying at Al Nassr? Yea.”

Recall that the 40-year-old on Sunday helped his national team to secure the Nation’s League for the second time four years after the Nation’s League was unveiled.

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022 on a record-breaking deal, has played a transformative role both on and off the pitch.

His arrival marked a turning point for Saudi football, drawing global attention to the Saudi Pro League and triggering a wave of high-profile signings across the league.

During his time at Al Nassr so far, Ronaldo has delivered impressive performances, scoring consistently and helping the club remain competitive at the top level. His presence has not only boosted the club’s visibility but also played a key role in the league’s growing popularity worldwide.

The announcement of his continued stay is seen as a significant boost for Al Nassr and the Saudi Pro League as a whole. It also signals Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to the ambitious football project unfolding in the region.

Sports

Brazil Star, Neymar Tests Positive For COVID-19

Published

4 days ago

June 8, 2025

Editor

Brazil forward Neymar has been sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19, Santos announced in a statement cited by Brazilian media.

The 33-year-old began showing symptoms on Thursday and was immediately withdrawn from all team activities. Medical tests later confirmed the viral infection, the Brazil Serie A club said on Saturday.

Santos did not specify how long Neymar will be out of action and did not respond immediately to a Reuters request for comment.

Neymar is already set to miss Thursday’s league match at Fortaleza due to suspension.

That Fortaleza game will be Santos’ final fixture before the Brazilian league pauses for the Club World Cup in the United States, scheduled from June 14 to July 13.

The former Barcelona forward’s future with Santos remains uncertain as his contract expires on June 30.

Limited by injury, Neymar has made 12 appearances across all competitions this season, tallying three goals and three assists.

Sports

Osimhen Rejects Al Hilal 5th Offer, Wants To Stay In Europe

Published

4 days ago

June 8, 2025

Editor

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has officially turned down a fifth offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, reaffirming his desire to remain in Europe.

In a post shared via X (formerly Twitter) handle, journalist Buchi Laba. Laba revealed that Osimhen has shut the door on any potential move to Saudi Arabia, regardless of the financial incentives.

“Victor Osimhen officially rejects Al Hilal 5th offer,” Laba wrote. “He has decided to not move there no matter the money offered. Case closed.”

Osimhen, who has been a subject of transfer speculation in recent months, appears to be in no rush to make a decision about his next move.

Sources close to the player suggest that his main priority is to continue his career in Europe, where he feels more competitively challenged.

“Main priority is to stay back in Europe,” Laba added, noting that “a top Italian club [is] very interested and other European clubs” are also keeping tabs on the Nigerian forward.

The 26-year-old Napoli star has been linked with several clubs across Europe, including teams in the Premier League and Serie A.

However, he is reportedly taking his time to evaluate the best sporting project before making his next move.

Osimhen was instrumental in Napoli’s Serie A title win in the 2022/23 season and also helped Galatasaray to a domestic double during his loan spell in Turkey last season.