Moulding A New Bendel Insurance FC

BENDEL Insurance FC of Benin City lost her place in the premiership at the close of last season’s campaign. Internal crises within the club managers and lack of adequate funds were said to have been responsible for the sad exit of the club from the premiership, to the National Division One league.

SIGNS that it was not going to be rosy for the famous ‘Arsenal of Benin City’ last season, showed early when the club paraded two sides against a visiting team and the homers forfeited the three league points at home.

ELDERS who would have stepped into the problem and nipped it in the bud, watched as the club continued to churn out poor results, with nobody daring Mr. Igbinomwanhia Ekuosuehi to step aside. Rex Adegbeji Ovie, braved all odds to broker peace by dragging government representatives and Igbinomwanhia Ekhuosehi to Governor Osunbor. Coach Godwin Izilein was thereafter named the Chief helmsman but because there was not enough money, the club fell by the way side.

NOW, the Edo state government has taken over the club. It has since riverted to its old name, Bendel Insurance FC of Benin . Nothing has been said about the financial commitment of Igbinomwanhia Ekhosuehi who kept the club for over 10 years.

HOWEVER, that is not the problem presently staring the club in the face. Players who drew salaries and perhaps allowances doing nothing in the year Bendel Insurance dropped to the national division one, are said to be demanding their own share. They want automatic employment into the new team. This situation calls for the biblical Solomon’s wisdom.

BUT the Sports commissioner in Edo, wants the best for the team in order to return to the Premiership.
HE does not also want sentiments in the selection and recruitment of players. This may be the reason he is presently using people like Alabi Aisien and Edema Fuludu to ensure that only the best players are recruited for the club.

THIS development does not seem to go down well with the former players. They argue that they had made enough sacrifices and contributions to get them into the team without further stress.

COACH Alabi Aisien and Edema Fuludu have their reputation to maintain. They should throw the screening exercise open. Those who are good would be seen by the club’s supporters who are always there to watch the training.

GOVERNMENT should also not stand aloof, watching the unhealthy development rearing its ugly head. It should release enough money for the technical men to go for the best legs in the land. Sports remains an industry in Edo and any money channeled to refurbish the industry, is money well spent. This is the only way to mould a club that every Edo man and woman would be proud of.

KUDOS to Rex Ovie for the bold steps he took to reconcile the warring parties The NIGERIAN OBSERVER thanks Mr. Ekhosuehi Igbinomwanhia for his rare patriotism in spending his personal money to keep the club. If not for him, the club would long have gone into extinction like the NNB FC, Flash Flamingoes and Bendel United FC. He should be commended and his name written in the sports hall of fame.

HOWEVER, the in-coming managers should ensure they cry out early for whatever they need to see the club return to the premiership next season.

ALABI is honest and Edema is good. If there is anyone government feels like adding to this duo, it should do so without hesitation. The interest of the ordinary Edo man is to see Bendel Insurance thrive and win all their matches during this season.

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