The Technical Director, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and former Bendel Insurance FC player Austin Eguavoen has commended Edo state government and the management of Bendel Insurance Football Club for the provision of world standard welfare and exhibiting professionalism in the management of the traditional Club.
The former Super Eagles defender and coach gave the commendation on Monday morning when the Benin Arsenal arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (local wing),Abuja enroute Maiduguri for their match day 5 engagement with El-Kanemi Warriors.
The former Super Eagles right back said the structure put in place by the state government in placing Bendel Insurance at their rightful position in the hearts of many Edo people and football stakeholders is highly commendable.
“Bendel Insurance Football Club as far as I’m concerned, I would say a new leaf has been turned. The government has been doing well and I will like to say a big thank you to them for this. I am happy to see and witness that my childhood Club Bendel Insurance FC are flying in aeroplane to other states to honour league matches.
In our days, we used to travel by road, but that’s not the situation with the team now, it is highly commendable and I will say congratulations to the team and management.”
“It is a club we all followed from our youth days and me especially playing for the team in the 80s; I could have committed my entire footballing career to the team if I had not gotten the opportunity to play abroad.”
“And to the players, I want to advise them to be up and doing in terms of commitment and making sacrifices commensurate with the state government’s kind gesture and welfare. To whom much is given, much is expected.” He stressed.
“The boys should not take their foot off the pedal as that is what brings food to their table and they also have a very good chance to excel in it by playing in bigger clubs. A very good work they have all done, the technical crew especially must be commended for their great input.”
“I think other states and other teams should also emulate what Edo state government is doing with Insurance FC because these players need an enabling environment for them to thrive and if you give them the opportunities, they will surely key into it and do you proud as Insurance are doing now.”
The former Super Eagles gaffer however stated that the team should not lose focus and should be able to stick together and pick themselves up in the blue days.
“Football is not straight, there is definitely going to be a time when things would be rough, but the ability to stick together in times like that matters a lot. I wish Bendel Insurance all the best,” he quipped.
A fan of Bendel Insurance Mr Lucky Okonofua who was in the same flight with Bendel Insurance FC from Benin to Abuja while also commending Edo State government said:
“Bendel Insurance used to be a great delight of the state in those days and we didn’t know of other clubs like Chelsea, Man United and the rest – it was all about Bendel Insurance, Enugu Rangers, Iwuayanwu National and others. But later things changed and the interest went down for a long time but thank God Edo state government has lifted Insurance up again. ” He enthused.
Speaking on how the team can sustain their form, the excited fan and business man who appreciated the great work of the present administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki said it is the work of the administrators to keep the team in top shape.
“It is all about commitment and that should come from the administrators and I’m very happy that the present administrators are showing interest and doing so well. Football is an investment project and you can see how investors are putting their money into the game nowadays.”
“There is something we must realize aside from watching the game and winning laurels, you can do football to correct social vices in the society. The youths you are engaging in football are happy, likewise everyone around them.”
“As you can see, all of us who boarded with you are very happy as we are proud to be associated with Bendel Insurance.” They expressed their delight at the manner at which Edo state government and the management have raised the bar for the Benin Arsenals.
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