Bendel Insurance Football Club has kicked off the final phase of preparations for the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The team engaged in a Grade B friendly match against Cynosure Football Club of Ebonyi State on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at their home ground in Benin.
The match was an intense affair, with Insurance taking the lead in the 35th minute. Team captain Meyiwa Oritseweyimi converted a penalty to put the Benin Arsenals ahead in the thrilling encounter.
However, the visitors from Ebonyi State were not to be outdone, as Goodluck Oniuksu equalized for Cynosure FC in the 55th minute, ensuring a hard-fought draw.
This friendly marks the beginning of a series of high-profile preparatory matches for Bendel Insurance as they fine-tune their squad ahead of the new season.
The team is coming off an impressive run in the recently concluded Governor Douye Diri Preseason Football Tournament in Bayelsa State, where they claimed the silver cup.
The final against Bayelsa United ended in a 1-1 draw at full time, with Oritseweyimi once again finding the back of the net. The match was decided by a dramatic 7-6 penalty shootout in favor of the hosts.
Following their return from Bayelsa, the Benin Arsenals entered a closed camping session on Wednesday. The camp is focused on fostering team cohesion, particularly between new recruits and the experienced players, in anticipation of the new season, which kicks off on August 31.
Bendel Insurance FC is set to face Rivers United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in their opening game of the season, with kickoff scheduled for 4 PM. The management of the club, having given the coaching staff the green light to strengthen the squad, will unveil about ten new signings next week.
“Our goal is to build a formidable team capable of challenging for honors this season,” a club official stated.
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