The Deputy Governor of Edo state Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu has charged the management and players of Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin to begin work now ahead of next year’s Nigeria National League (NNL) in order to succeed in their quest to gain promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The Deputy Governor gave the charge when he officially received members of Bendel Insurance FC team today in government house,Benin after their super 8 battle in Enugu.
Insurance FC returned from Enugu on Sunday evening after finishing third in the Group B of the Nigeria National League Super 8 tournament which ended Sunday afternoon.
The Benin Arsenal lost their first game 2-1 to Shooting Stars FC; posted 1-1 and 2-2 draws with Ekiti Utd and Remo Stars respectively to garner two points from three games which were not enough to secure promotion to NPFL.
Comrade Shaibu who doubles as the Chairman of Bendel Insurance FC declared that he will not disband team,nor sacking the Technical crew of Insurance FC. He said that the Club will be more encouraged to succeed.
He made it clear that he will not bribe anybody to get promotion for Insurance but will encourage hardwork and discipline instead.
“Let us appreciate God for journey mercy to and from Enugu where the super 8 held. We do not want you to be discouraged over the disappointing outing. We all know what happened and want you as players and coaches to remove your mind from Nigeria’s football politics.
Our focus is to build a disciplined club anchored on hardwork and integrity. We will continue to pursue our goal whether in NNL or NPFL.
We wanted to return to the NPFL immediately but it did not happen. You did your best. So,we have to go back to the drawing board to restrategise. I will not sack any body in the Technical crew led by Monday Odigie but we will encourage them instead. And I urge you to begin preparation now.” The Deputy Governor stressed. He revealed that new kits for the team have been procured and made ready for the next Football season.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu has showered praise on the supporters of Bendel Insurance over their commitments and faith with the team.
He described them as real soldiers who defend their territory unconditionally. ” our supporters are the best.” Shaibu said.
Responding on behalf of the team,the Technical Director and head of the Insurance coaching crew Monday Odigie expressed appreciation to the Deputy Governor saying that the number two man in Edo state surprised him with his kind words of encouragement.
Coach Odigie said he expected the Deputy Governor to be hard on the team over their inability to get the desired result.
“I have not really seen this kind of situation whereby a team that represented a state and failed to deliver is accorded this kind of warm reception by government. This is uncommon and I want to say that we owe the state a lot.
