The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Desmond Enabulele, has commended the coaches and players of Bendel Insurance Football Club on their ability to effect a turnaround in the ongoing 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The Benin Arsenals were battling to survive in the relegation waters towards the end of first round of the league in December when Enabulele assumed office at the Edo State Sports Commission.
He gave the commendation during a meeting with the coaches and management team of Bendel Insurance FC today at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.
According to him, the management of the Benin Arsenals need to strategize on enhancing the team’s performance in the ongoing season and beyond. He specially commended the Head Coach, Greg Ikhenoba, for his dedication, stressing the importance of proper data for players and recruitment process, as well as technical depth, and teamwork among the coaching crew and management team of the premier league team.
“My priority is to build a strong Bendel Insurance FC, as the Governor is keen on improving the team’s performance by providing the necessary resources and enabling environment for the club to thrive. Our objective is to bring glory to the state and, in return, boost internally generated revenue (IGR) through Bendel Insurance FC.
“Since the state government is making significant investments in the team, it is imperative that we reciprocate by finishing among the top three in the league. Football should be seen as business. Our Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is passionate about sports, and we must encourage him with victories.
“We should have won our last away match against Bayelsa United, but the result was disappointing. The team must strive to secure victories, particularly in our upcoming home game against Remo Stars on Saturday.
“Let me commend the Head Coach, Greg Ikhenoba, and his team for the good job they have been doing so far. When I came to the Edo State Sports Commission, I met Insurance at the rock bottom of the league table. Precisely in the 20th position and it was a big concern for us.
“We only encouraged them. So, the ability of the team to fight for their way out of the relegation zone and now sitting comfortably in the 8th position is really commendable irrespective of the result posted in Yenagoa on Sunday,” he said.
While acknowledging the past achievements of the club, Enabulele stressed the need to pursue new goals and set agenda.
“We have surpassed our initial targets of fighting to survive in the premier league, our next focus is securing a top-four finish to qualify for continental football. We must also ensure a structured transition of players from our academy to the senior team, which will enhance morale boosting across our feeder teams. Honestly, Coach Ikhenoba and his team have really made us proud despite the 2-1 loss to Bayelsa United on Sunday.”
The sports commission boss expressed his confidence in the team to do better.
He said,”I believe strongly that we can do better. I am a results-oriented person. Let’s continue to work hard for us to get to the destination of success. We are currently working on giving the team a befitting camp with standard hostel facilities and to improve the welfare of the players and officials.”
Responding, Coach Ikhenoba expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make more progress, stating, “we have successfully met our initial mandate, and our focus is now on elevating our performance to gain continental recognition. I appreciate the Executive Chairman for his unwavering support.”
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