Bendel Insurance Football Club head coach and Technical Manager, Monday Odigie, has commended the organizers and sponsors of the Governor Diri Douye Preseason Football Tournament, following a dramatic conclusion on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.
The Benin Arsenals claimed the silver cup after a nail-biting 7-6 loss to Bayelsa United in a penalty shootout, following a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time.
Odigie praised the tournament’s high standards, noting that it provided an excellent platform for teams preparing for the upcoming Nigeria Premier League season.
“Looking at the seven Premier League clubs the organizers brought together, the manner in which all the teams conducted themselves, and the keen contest in all the matches, what can we say other than to appreciate the organizers? They have really done well,” Odigie stated.
Despite falling short in the final, Odigie expressed satisfaction with Bendel Insurance’s overall performance. He emphasized that the tournament was an important opportunity to assess new players and refine the team’s strategies ahead of the 2024/25 season.
“The purpose of the Bayelsa tournament was met as it gave me the opportunity to test and understand the ability of my new players,” he added.
Bendel Insurance’s journey to the final was marked by a series of competitive matches, beginning with a 1-0 victory over Krusaders Feeders.
This was followed by a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Rivers United and a goalless draw with Kwara United in their final group stage match.
Odigie concluded by expressing his appreciation for the tournament’s success, underscoring its significance in preparing teams for the challenges of the new season.
