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Bendel Insurance sign teenage midfielder Ibrahim Sabiu on two-year deal
Bendel Insurance have moved to bolster their midfield for the new Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season by signing highly rated teenager Ibrahim Sabiu on a two-year contract.
The 19-year-old defensive midfielder arrives from Niger Tornadoes after an eye-catching campaign in which he emerged as one of the most promising young players in the league.
Sabiu, who is renowned for his aggressive ball-winning, high energy and physical presence in the centre of the pitch, is expected to inject greater bite and competition into the Benin City club’s midfield options.
The contract, announced by the club and reported by BSNSports.com.ng, will tie Sabiu to the Benin Arsenal until 2026, as Bendel Insurance look to reinforce key areas of their squad ahead of the forthcoming NPFL campaign.
(Note: Earlier local reports suggesting a 2028 expiry are understood to refer to a two-year deal beginning after an existing agreement.)
Rising NPFL talent switches to Benin City
Sabiu’s performances for Niger Tornadoes last season drew widespread attention, with the teenager featuring prominently in the club’s battle in the top flight and earning a reputation as one of the standout young midfielders in the NPFL.
Primarily deployed as a defensive midfielder, he is comfortable breaking up opposition moves, pressing aggressively and protecting the back line, while also providing simple distribution to launch attacks.
His arrival is seen as part of a broader strategy by Bendel Insurance to blend youth with experience as they aim to improve on last season’s outing and push for higher league standing and deep runs in domestic competitions.
Adding steel and depth to midfield
Within the Bendel Insurance set-up, Sabiu is expected to compete for a starting berth immediately, offering the coaching staff greater flexibility in how they set up the team in central areas.
His combative style is likely to complement the club’s existing midfielders, giving the team more options when facing physically strong opponents or when trying to protect a lead.
Coaches at Niger Tornadoes had repeatedly highlighted his work rate and willingness to cover large areas of the pitch, traits that are likely to be valued highly in Benin City as the new season approaches.
Bendel Insurance continue squad rebuild
The signing of Sabiu underlines Bendel Insurance’s determination to reinforce their squad early in the transfer window, as NPFL clubs intensify preparations for the coming campaign.
With the league becoming increasingly competitive and several clubs investing in young players, Bendel Insurance appear keen not to be left behind, targeting emerging domestic talents who can grow with the team.
Sabiu’s move also reflects a growing trend of intra-league transfers involving younger professionals, as NPFL sides look within the domestic market for players who have already adapted to the demands of top-flight Nigerian football.
Bendel Insurance are expected to remain active in the market in the weeks ahead, as they aim to build a squad capable of challenging more consistently at the top end of the NPFL table.