Sports

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

Published

2 years ago

October 31, 2024

Editor

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

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.