Bendel Insurance beat Santos FC of Brazil 2-1 in friendly

The match was played at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State on Monday.

Brazil’s frontline football club, Santos FC last weekend were back in the country  again 53 years after their first visit to Nigeria to strengthen the relationship for talent  exchange and to play a friendly match with Bendel Insurance.

The disclosure was made on Sunday in Benin by the National Chairman of Nigerian Football Supporters’ Club, Rev. Samuel Ikpea, while briefing reporters, shortly after the team’s arrival in the Edo state capital.

He said: “Santos FC is one of the biggest clubs in Brazil that has produced many big players, including the legendary Pele. It is also for them to come to Nigeria and see how they can help develop sports in the country. We want to see how this can be used to develop sports in Edo State.

 “This match, between Bendel Insurance FC of Benin and Santos FC is to celebrate Africa. 53 years ago, in 1969, Santos FC came here to play and it was during the Nigerian civil war, and because of the match, there was a ceasefire in Nigeria for 48 hours.

“Some of the players of Bendel Insurance FC will also be given the opportunity to visit Santos Football Club in Brazil. We hope it will be beneficial to Edo State, Nigeria and Brazil.”