Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state has again called on the people of Edo state, particularly Benin residents, including civil servants to come out to support Bendel Insurance Football Club against Renaissance Sportive de Berkane of Morocco on Saturday, September 16.
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The Benin Arsenals host their opponents from Morocco RS Berkane at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in the first leg of the 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup preliminaries second round. Kick-off time tomorrow is 4 pm.
The Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission Olympian Yusuf Alli and the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State governor, Mr Andrew Okungbowa made the call during a press conference at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium today.
Okungbowa was confident that his principal Mr. Godwin Obaseki would on Saturday afternoon lead the supporters and fans to cheer Bendel Insurance FC to victory against RS Berkane, assuring that Obaseki’s administration will not relent in it’s commitment to sustaining Bendel Insurance FC at the topflight football level in Nigeria and Africa.
“Let me on behalf of the government of Edo state and our Governor sincerely appreciate the people of Edo state, including the civil servants for the massive support they gave Bendel Insurance FC against their opponents from Algeria, ASO Chlef in the first preliminary round game last month.
The rhythm of that massive support still echoes. We are ready for the second round first leg again, come Saturday, September 16 at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin against RS Berkane of Morocco, we are calling on our people again to come to the stadium to support Bendel Insurance FC. Your support in the first game played a very big role in the Insurance victory, that is why we are inviting you all again.”
The Edo state government is offering free rides for spectators coming to the stadium the same way we did in the first-round match. We have thrown the gate open with free tickets to watch. Our Governor has put everything in place to ensure victory for Bendel Insurance tomorrow.” Okungbowa said.
Briefing Journalists earlier during the conference at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission Olympian Yusuf Alli expressed appreciation to the people for their massive support for Insurance in the first round match against ASO Chlef of Algeria last month.
“Tomorrow’s match is crucial. we enjoyed the massive support from the people and government and we succeeded in the first round. Nobody gave us the chance against the North African opponents. Kudos to the coaching crew of Bendel Insurance FC led by Monday Odigie. In tomorrow’s match, we appeal to the Edo people to give us that kind of massive support again.
“The ECTS boss Mrs Hauwa Dupe Ohikhuare has given us assurance of the free ride Edo state government has offered. There will be a roadshow to create more awareness. Fifteen thousand tickets are available for free. So, we invite everybody, young and old to come and cheer Bendel Insurance to victory.” Alli enthused.
The Benin Arsenals who are Nigeria’s Federation Cup holders, secured the Second Round of the CAF Confederations Cup place after an impressive first and second-leg performance against Aso Chlef of Algeria, and victory over RS Berkane will see them through to the group stage of the continental football showpiece.
