Sports

CAF Confederation Cup: Edo Readies As Bendel Insurance Hosts Morocco’s RS Berkane

Published

3 years ago

September 7, 2023

Editor

Bendel Insurance FC of Benin, Edo State is set for another thrilling continental showdown as they advance in the CAF Confederation Cup with a first-leg clash against Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RSB) of Morocco in the Second Qualifying Round of the competition.

The Edo-based team will host the 2021/2022 CAF Confederation Cup winners for a place in the group stage, on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The Benin Arsenals who are Nigeria’s Federation Cup holders, secured their spot in the Second Round of the CAF Confederations Cup after a remarkable first and second-leg performance against Aso Chlef of Algeria, who are the 2022/23 Algerian Cup winners.

The team, which has remained unbeaten this season, has continued to enjoy the support and motivation from the state government which has rejuvenated the indomitable spirit for which the Benin Arsenals have always been known.

The Edo State Government under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, has made huge investments in developing and sustaining the football club in particular and the sports sector in general, with investments that have revitalised sporting activities and elevated the state-owned club from erstwhile relegation into the lofty heights of visibility, which the team now enjoys across the nation and the African continent.

Speaking ahead of the September 16 encounter, the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Andrew Okungbowa, said the State is ready to receive the visitors, expressing confidence that the home team will come out victorious after 90 minutes.

According to him, “All is set as our darling team, Bendel Insurance FC, hosts Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RSB) of Morocco in the first leg of the 2nd Qualifying Round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

“The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, with its state-of-the-art facilities and impeccable pitch conditions, has been meticulously prepared for this great encounter, and our football-loving fans and supporters are ready and eager, as always, to fill the 12, 000 capacity stadium with their cheers and support for the players, creating an electrifying atmosphere that will certainly inspire the home team to victory.

“It is going to be another carnival-like and festival Saturday in Benin, as the State Governor has given us a matching order to mobilise Edo people just as we did in the first leg last month, to cheer our darling Insurance to victory. We have already set machinery in place to mobilise our people and to ensure that the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is full to capacity on match game with fans and supporters from across the State as we are going to provide free transportation from 12 different locations in the city to take people to the stadium and return them after the game.”

Sports

EPL: Why I Won’t Stay One More Year At Man Utd – Casemiro

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, has explained why he won’t stay one more year at the club.

The 34-year-old is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the current season.

The Brazilian, however, had been urged by the club’s fans to extend his contract by one more year due to his brilliant display for Michael Carrick’s side this term.

Speaking on the development, Casemiro told ESPN Brasil, “There is no chance [for me to stay one more year].

“It is leaving through the front door. It has been four wonderful years, and I am eternally grateful not only to the club but to the fans.

“I think it is over. The cycle has ended here. I am moving on to a new chapter in my career.”

Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

1 day 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

2 days 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.