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

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.
READ ALSO: NPFL25 MD22: Bendel Insurance Escape Relegation After 1-0 Win Against Kastina United
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.
READ ALSO: NPFL25: Put 1-0 Loss Aside, Focus On Eyimba FC Match, Enabulele Tells Bendel Insurance
“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.
READ ALSO: Bendel Insurance Mgt Motivates Bendel Insurance Players Ahead Of Sunshine Clash In Ijebu-Ode
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.
READ ALSO: NPFL25: Put 1-0 Loss Aside, Focus On Eyimba FC Match, Enabulele Tells Bendel Insurance
“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.
Sports
EPL: Berbatov Names Team That Can ‘Surprise’ Arsenal In Title Race
Former Manchester United striker, Dimitar Berbatov, has named the team that could “surprise” Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners are now six points clear of second-placed Chelsea, thanks to their 4-1 demolition of Tottenham on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s men could extend that lead to nine points, when they travel to face the Blues this weekend.
READ ALSO:EPL: Why Arsenal Could Win The Title This Season – Guardiola
Berbatov has now said he expects Arsenal to be “really tested” over the hectic festive period and says their title credentials will become clearer in the New Year.
“Of course Liverpool are low in the table and Man City are dropping points, but there are other teams like Chelsea who can surprise people,” Berbatov told ESPN.
“Six points is a good cushion but in the Premier League it’s nothing and can go very quickly.”
Sports
Champions League: Arteta Gives Arsenal Injury Updates Ahead Bayern Munich Clash
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has given injury updates on his squad ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
The Gunners have won their first four matches in the competition without conceding a single goal.
Arteta’s men will be looking to continue their perfect start with a win over Bayern at the Emirates.
READ ALSO:EPL: Arteta Wants FA To Overturn Lewis-Skelly’s Red Card In Arsenal Win
Arsenal could have captain Martin Odegaard back for the game, alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke.
“Yeah they are [Madueke and Martinelli in contenton to start] and we’re going to have a meeting now to decide on Martin [Odegaard],” Arteta told reporters today.
“He was very close for the previous game.
“We are confident he can be in the squad as well.”
Sports
EPL: Man Utd Suffer Fresh Injury Blow Ahead Of Everton Clash
Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, could be without Matheus Cunha for Monday’s Premier League clash against Everton.
ESPN reports that Cunha has picked up an injury in training.
The Brazilian suffered what is being described as a “minor knock” during a session on Saturday.
READ ALSO:EPL: Alan Smith Names Only Two Clubs To Compete For Title
It forced him to miss a scheduled appearance to switch on Christmas lights in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, on Saturday evening.
Amorim will be keen to have Cunha available, as he has already lost striker Benjamin Sesko to a knee injury.
Since his £62.5 million move from Wolves, Cunha has scored only once in 11 appearances.
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