The Edo State Government has taken a proactive step in ensuring a grand show of support for the Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin as they gear up to face the ASO Chief of Algeria in the preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
With an aim to rally fans for the much-anticipated match, the government has made available more than 30 luxurious buses through the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS).
The buses will be stationed at strategic locations across Benin City, the state capital, to conveniently transport fans to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The strategic routes include major points of entry such as Ramat Park, Ring Road by ECTS main Terminal at Mission Road, Ugbowo Uniben Main Gate, Oluku by NIFOR Junction, Winners Chapel by Sapele Road, ADP, and Estate Gate by Airport Road, Ojemai Farms by Upper Ekenhuan Road, Channel 55 by Upper Siluko Road, Pipeline and Idokpa Aduwawa axis, Total filling station by New Benin, and Gorretti and 3rd East Circular junction.
Yussuf Alli, the Chairman of the State Sports Commission, emphasized the importance of a massive turnout for the match during a press conference in Benin City.
He underlined the significance of Bendel Insurance’s victory in the first leg of the encounter and urged fans to fill the stadium in a show of unwavering support.
Alli explained, “Our first match will be this Saturday. So we need the whole stadium filled up.
We want a full capacity and that is why we are putting all these logistics in place.
We have decided to throw the gates open and we are going to be running jingles on radios about the match. The first 100 people that will get to the stadium will get 100 free Insurance jerseys.
“He further outlined the government’s efforts to facilitate fans’ participation, stating, “On the issue of strategic routes and pick-up locations for Edo people so that the stadium can be full, we have 10 of such strategic routes.
We are not just picking them up at the stadium, but we are returning them back. At the point of entry, there will be issued free tickets to watch the match.
“Bendel Insurance Football Club, historically renowned for their victory in the CAF Confederation Cup in 1994, is set to face ASO Chief of Algeria in a crucial match.
The Nigerian representative aims to secure a substantial win at home to ease the pressure for the return leg.
With the Edo State Government’s support, fans are expected to turn out in full force, creating an electrifying atmosphere in the stadium.
