NPFL: Edo Government urges Bendel Insurance to secure continental qualification

By Wale Mustapha

 The Edo State Government has charged Bendel Insurance FC to push for a top-three finish in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season and secure a continental ticket.

The directive came from the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Honourable Amadin Desmond Enabulele, during an unscheduled visit to the team’s training ground on Saturday in Benin City.

Enabulele commended the team’s recent resurgence, noting that Insurance has lost just two of their last 11 league matches. He attributed the improvement to the government’s renewed support and motivation following a rough start to the season.

“On behalf of the state government and the Sports Commission, I appreciate your efforts so far,” Enabulele said. “The terrible situation we met you in prompted our Governor to mandate us to motivate you in any way possible to escape relegation.”

Now sitting fifth on the NPFL table, Enabulele believes the Benin Arsenal are within reach of second and third place, which would guarantee a spot in continental competition.

“We should know that the key to continental presence is within our grasp—only if we can aspire and challenge ourselves, now that we are out of the Federation Cup,” he stated.

He also assured the players of continued government support, saying, “We are going to motivate you more, so give us what we want, and we will do more.”

Bendel Insurance will host Nasarawa United on Sunday in a crucial Matchday 34 fixture at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, as they continue their push for a top-three finish.