Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Joshua Baba has returned to training after apologising to the club over his unauthorised absence, bringing a new development to a situation that had raised questions about his commitment to the Benin-based side.
The goalkeeper’s return was announced by the club, which confirmed that he had apologised for his actions and resumed training with his teammates.
The development offers an opportunity for both Baba and the club to move forward following the controversy surrounding his absence.
Baba was previously declared absent without official leave after failing to return to the club when his approved recovery period expired.
The situation began after he sustained a knock during Bendel Insurance’s opening match of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season against Warri Wolves on August 30.
Following the injury, the goalkeeper was granted two weeks to recover and subsequently travelled to Plateau State to visit his family. He was expected to return to the club in mid-September but failed to report as scheduled.
Bendel Insurance subsequently expressed disappointment over his absence and indicated that disciplinary and administrative measures could follow.
The goalkeeper later resurfaced in Lagos and reunited with his teammates ahead of the club’s league fixture against Sporting Lagos. He also publicly apologized to the club’s management, technical crew, teammates and supporters, expressing his readiness to return to training and promising better conduct.
His latest return to training represents another step towards putting the incident behind him.
However, resuming training does not necessarily mean the matter has been formally closed. The club’s position on any outstanding disciplinary issues remains important.
For Baba, the immediate priority will be to demonstrate renewed commitment through his conduct and performances.
The goalkeeper previously featured for Bendel Insurance after progressing from the club’s feeder team and has experience with former Nigerian champions Enyimba.
His return could provide another option for the technical crew, depending on his fitness and the club’s assessment of his situation.
For the Benin Arsenal, the focus will now be on maintaining discipline within the squad while ensuring that the team remains prepared for its upcoming
