Ex-soccer star, Francis Monidafe has marveled over the prospects of his former club, Bendel Insurance of Benin City returning to the top-flight league in Nigeria.
Sports247.ng reports that, with The Benin Arsenal on the verge of a spot in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), following their qualification for the final-8 of the lower cadre Nigerian National League (NNL), USA-based Monidafe says it is a development to relish.
Monidafe is now weighing up the historic and symbolic implications of the traditional team returning to the top division, saying it would be a return to glory days and a revival of many fond memories.
Monidafe, who played for the Eagles from 1978 to 1980, was in the Bendel Insurance team that beat Rangers 3-0 to win the Challenge Cup in the same year he got his first invitation to the national team.
He admitted that he is excited to hear that the club are now pushing for a place in the NPFL, after spending 11 years in the lower division.
Monidafe praised the players and coaching crew for the achievement and urged them not to relent until the ticket to the elite class is gained.
Monidafe said: “Great news, Bendel Insurance is back to where it belongs. It is time for Bendel Insurance to join the big boys again.
“A big congratulations to Governor Godwin Obaseki, coach Monday Odigie and his crew for job well done.
“I am confident that the zeal, determination and support that took the club to the top of their group in the NNL will see them through in the Super Eight playoff.”
