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Bendel Insurance coach Kennedy Boboye cleared to return after NPFL suspension
Kennedy Boboye has been cleared to return to the dugout for Bendel Insurance FC after the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) lifted his suspension with immediate effect.
The decision means Boboye can lead the Benin Arsenal in their opening fixture of the 2026/27 season, when they host Warri Wolves in Benin on Sunday, 30 August.
The NPFL confirmed the development after reviewing the case, with the club’s appeal and Boboye’s conduct taken into consideration.
A statement from the league said the sanction had been suspended forthwith, allowing the Bendel Insurance head coach to resume his duties without delay.
Boboye’s reinstatement removes the uncertainty over his availability for the start of the new campaign and allows him to take charge of the team from the opening match.
The suspension had been imposed before the club appealed the decision. Following its review, the NPFL and its Disciplinary Committee opted to lift the sanction, citing the appeal and the coach’s good conduct as important factors in reaching their verdict.
Bendel Insurance welcomed the outcome, with the decision receiving broad support from across the club.
Club management expressed its sincere appreciation to the NPFL and the Disciplinary Committee for what it described as a fair consideration of the matter and a favourable verdict.
Boboye will now be in the technical area when Bendel Insurance begin their 2026/27 NPFL campaign against Warri Wolves in Benin. The fixture is scheduled for Sunday, 30 August, and will be the first opportunity for the coach to return to competitive action following the league’s decision.
The lifting of the suspension also brings the case to a close from the club’s perspective, enabling Bendel Insurance to begin the season with their head coach available on the touchline.
The NPFL’s ruling reflects the outcome of its review of the club’s appeal and the conduct of Boboye during the process. It was the combination of those considerations that led to the sanction being suspended with immediate effect.
For Bendel Insurance, the ruling has been warmly received by the entire club family. Management’s response underlined its view that both the appeal process and the final decision had been handled fairly by the league and its disciplinary body.
Boboye is therefore free to resume his role ahead of the meeting with Warri Wolves, with Bendel Insurance able to prepare for their opening game knowing that their head coach can take charge from the dugout.
