Sports

CAF Game: Obaseki Rallies Residents As Bendel Insurance Hosts Algeria’s Aso Chlef

Published

2 years ago

August 17, 2023

…assigns buses to convey fans to Stadium

…first 100 to get free jerseys

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged residents of the state to come out on Saturday, August 19, 2023 to cheer Bendel Insurance as the team begins its campaigns in the CAF competition with first match against Algeria’s Aso Chlef, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Addressing journalists at a press conference, the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Yusuf Alli, said the historic encounter will see Bendel Insurance play again at the Continental stage after 34 years.

He said, “We just want you to know what is happening to Bendel Insurance from our own end and also from the Governor’s side of it. The last time Bendel Insurance played at the continental level was 34 years ago.

“Now, we are playing on the continent with the first match being this Saturday, we need the whole stadium to be filled up. We want a full capacity. We have tickets printed, airing television and radio commercials. Ticket gates are available for everyone. It is free.

“The state government and our governor are putting everything into hosting the match, ensuring that our team, Bendel Insurance, comes out on top on Saturday. For us, it is historic having not been on this stage in the last 34 years and so coming to this point, we are now and giving the fact that we have made history in the last abridged league and also the FA Cup that brought us here. The state government is quite aware of this and because of that, every effort is being made to ensure that no stone is left unturned and that our team comes top.”

He said Governor Godwin Obaseki has approved the release of buses to mobilise supporters to and back from the stadium, noting that hundreds of jerseys will be distributed to football fans at the stadium.

The Managing Director, Edo City Transport Service (ECTS), Hauwa Dupe Ohikhuare, disclosed that the 10 locations for the free bus ride to the stadium include: “Agbor Road-axis -Ramat park; King Square – 1 Mission Road and ECTS main terminal; Ugbowo pick up point- Main Gate and ECTS turning point at Oluku/NIFFOR Junction; Sapele Road- Winners Chapel.”

Others are: Airport Road – ADP Junction & Estate Gate; Ekenwa axis – Ojemai farms; Siloko/Ogida – Channel 55; Aduwawa/ Eyan Axis- Pipeline & Idokpa Town Hall. New Benin; Mission road by Total Junction and Upper Sakponba- Goretti and Third East Circular Junction.

He added that a roadshow would also be organised on Friday across Benin City to further drum up awareness and support for the team while the state governor will visit the team camp tomorrow, Thursday, August 17, 2023 to inspire the team to victory.

Sports

AFCON: Osimhen Threatens To Dump Super Eagles, Return To Galatasaray

Published

3 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Editor

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, reportedly threatened to quit the national team and return to Turkey.

According to Arise News, Osimhen was left fuming following his altercation with Ademola Lookman during the 4-0 win over Mozambique at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.

Having scored a brace thanks to assists from Lookman, the 27-year-old lashed out at his team-mate for failing to pass to him in the 64th minute.

Osimhen then beckoned on the bench asking to be taken off, before he was replaced by Moses Simon.

At full time, Osimhen stormed out of the stadium and dropped his accreditation card, insisting he was “done” with the national team and wanted to fly back to Turkey.

He was then pacified by senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

Sports

NPFL Announces Resumption Date For Second Stanza

Published

7 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Editor

The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, has announced a date for the start of the second stanza of the 2025-26 season.

The second stanza will commence on Wednesday, 14 January, 2026.

The fixture will start with mid-week games across all the designated NPFL centers.

The NPFL disclosed this in a letter addressed to all the clubs.

The league body urged clubs to expect fixtures congestion in the second stanza.

Rivers United occupy top position on the NPFL table with 37 points from 19 matches.

Sports

Chelsea Coach Hails 3 Players For Keeping Team Together After Maresca’s Departure

Published

7 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Editor

Chelsea interim coach, Calum McFarlane has hailed three Blues players for keeping the team together after Enzo Maresca departed from the Premier League west London club.

Speaking after Chelsea’s recent Premier League 1-1 draw with Manchester City, McFarlane lauded Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Enzo Fernandez for their leadership and unifying influence in the Blues’ squad.

“I think it is a good moment to speak about the players. This is not an easy job,” McFarlane told reporters after the match.

“There is a lot of change that has gone on. Enzo was incredibly successful with this group. Some of them were shocked by the decision to sack Maresca.

“The character that they have shown today. Reece is a big one. Reece, Tosin and Enzo have really dragged the group together.”

Chelsea’s next Premier League tie is against Fulham on Wednesday.