Sports

NPFL25: Strategize On Enhancing Team Performance, Enabulele Charges Bendel Insurance Management

Published

8 months ago

March 5, 2025

The Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele has charged the management of Bendel Insurance Football Club on the need to strategize on enhancing the team performance in the ongoing season and beyond.

Enabulele gave the charge during a meeting with the coaches and management team of Bendel Insurance FC at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, on Wednesday.

The Edo Sports Commission boss, while
commending the coaches and players of the Benin Arsenal on their ability to effect a turn around in the ongoing 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League ( NPFL), specially lauded the Head Coach, Greg Ikhenoba for his dedication.

He stresses the importance of proper data for players and recruitment process, as well as technical depth, and teamwork among the coaching crew and management team of Bendel Insurance FC.

Enabulele, who noted that his priority is to build a strong Bendel Insurance FC, disclosed that “our Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo is passionate about sports, and we must encourage him with victories.”

“My priority is to build a strong Bendel Insurance FC, as the Governor is keen on improving the team’s performance by providing the necessary resources and enabling environment for the club to thrive” Enabulele stated.

He continued: “Our objective is to bring glory to the state and, in return, boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through Bendel Insurance FC.

“Since the state government is making significant investments in the team, it is imperative that we reciprocate by finishing among the top three in the league. Football should be seen as a business.

“We should have won our last away match against Bayelsa United, but the result was disappointing. The team must strive to secure victories, particularly in our upcoming home game against Remo Stars on Saturday.

“Let me commend the head coach Greg Ikhenoba and his team for the good job they have been doing so far.

“When I came to the Edo State Sports Commission, I met Insurance at the rock bottom of the league table, precisely in the 20th position and it was a big concern to us. We only encouraged them.

“So, the ability of the team to fight for their way out of the relegation zone and now sitting comfortably in the 8th position is really commendable irrespective of the result posted in Yenagoa on Sunday,” He said.

The Executive Chairman, while acknowledging the past achievements of the club, stressed the need to pursue new goals and set an agenda.

“We have surpassed our initial targets of fighting to survive in the premier league, our next focus is securing a top-four finish to qualify for continental football.

“We must also ensure a structured transition of players from our academy to the senior team, which will enhance morale boosting across our feeder teams.

“Honestly, coach Greg Ikhenoba and his team have really made us proud despite the 2-1 loss to Bayelsa United on Sunday,” He said.

Enabulele expressed his confidence in the team to do better.

“I believe strongly that we can do better. I am a results-oriented person. Let’s continue to work hard for us to get to the destination of success.

“We are currently working on giving the team a befitting camp with standard hostel facilities and to improve the welfare of the players and officials,” He assured

Responding, the Head Coach, Ikhenoba of Bendel Insurance expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make more progress, stating, “We have successfully met our initial mandate, and our focus is now on elevating our performance to gain continental recognition.

“I appreciate the Executive Chairman for his unwavering support.”

Recall that Bendel Insurance FC were battling to survive in the relegation waters towards the end of the first round of the league in December when Enabulele assumed office as the Executive chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission.

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Sports

EPL: Trossard Strike As Arsenal Beat Fulham 1-0

Published

2 days ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

Arsenal edged past Fulham with a narrow 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage, climbing three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The result marked another composed and professional display from Mikel Arteta’s side, who continue to show their title credentials.

The decisive moment came in the second half when Leandro Trossard calmly finished after a clever set-piece routine.

Bukayo Saka delivered a dangerous corner that was flicked on by Gabriel, setting up Trossard to slot home the winner.

Arteta’s side dominated possession throughout, limiting Fulham to very few chances in front of goal.

The hosts struggled to create any real threat, with Arsenal’s defence staying compact and composed.

With the victory, Arsenal overtake Manchester City to sit three points clear at the summit after another disciplined away performance.

More to follow…

Sports

EPL: Nottingham Forest Sacks Postecoglou After 3-0 Defeat To Chelsea

Published

2 days ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

Nottingham Forest have sacked Ange Postecoglou barely minutes after their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

A statement from the Premier league club, released 20 minutes after full-time at the City Ground, reads: “Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect.

“The club will make no further comment at this time.”

Postecoglou was in charge for eight games and six of those ended in defeat.

It included an early Carabao Cup exit at Championship club Swansea City, when Forest led 2-1 in the 92nd minute before conceding two in four minutes to lose 3-2.

The other two games – away at Burnley (Premier League) and Real Betis (Europa League) ended in draws.

Sports

Edo Sports Commission Boss Charges New Armwrestling Board To Prioritize Accessibility, Sponsorship

Published

3 days ago

October 17, 2025

Editor

Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has charged members of the newly inaugurated Edo State Armwrestling Association board to embrace openness, accessibility, and proactive engagement with athletes and stakeholders.

Enabulele gave the charge during the board’s inauguration held at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

The event had in attendance Executive Directors, the Permanent Secretary, and other top officials of the Commission.

In a statement signed by his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, the sports commission boss described the inauguration as “a new dawn in our collective journey to strengthen and elevate the standard of sports development in Edo State.”

He urged the new executives to pursue sponsorships and partnerships that would drive growth and sustain the association’s programmes.

“Financial support is the lifeblood of sports,” Enabulele said.

“Through partnerships and sponsorships, we can provide the resources needed to nurture our athletes and expand our programmes.”

The Chairman also called for approachable leadership, encouraging the board to remain open to athletes, coaches, and stakeholders.

“Your guidance and presence will foster unity, strengthen teamwork, and create a culture of accountability and progress,” he added.

Enabulele further announced plans to introduce quarterly appraisal sessions between the Commission and sports associations to ensure proper monitoring and measurable progress.

“These sessions will allow us to review achievements, address challenges, and design strategies for continued success,” he explained.

He urged the new board members to carry out their duties with dedication and vision, stressing that their collective efforts would transform Edo sports and inspire the next generation of champions.

In his response, the new Chairman of the Edo Armwrestling Association, Mr. Eromosele Albert, pledged to organize both national and international armwrestling competitions to boost the sport’s visibility and give Edo athletes more exposure.

Albert noted that armwrestling is gaining rapid popularity in the United States and Canada and promised to leverage global trends to enhance the sport’s profile and financial sustainability in Edo State.

He also expressed confidence that Team Edo would perform strongly at the next National Sports Festival, where the sport offers 34 gold medals.

The inauguration ceremony ended with exhibition matches featuring male and female athletes competing in both left and right-hand categories.

Those inaugurated into the board include: Mr. Eromosele Albert (Chairman), Divine Rosemary (Acting Secretary/Coach), Hon. Frank Ilaboya, Mr. Johnson Femi, Mr. Johnny Summers, Mr. Osagie Oghuma Peter, Dr. Benson Ogala, and Mr. Iraoya Olarenwaju.