Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin has unveiled thirteen new players among other new signees recruited to fortify the team for the NPFL 2024/25 season and beyond just as the Benin Arsenals announced the departure of thirteen old players.
The Benin Arsenals have brought 18 new players into their fold in a swift response to the departure of 13 regular players who left after the 2023/24 season.
Among the new signees are former Enyimba midfielder and striker James Oronsaye and Uche Collins who were unveiled at the Bendel Insurance Secretariat onTuesday, September 3. Others include Kayofe Oke from 3SC; Suleiman Solihu-(GK) From Kwara Utd; Emmanuel Ugwu from Dakkada FC; Moses Ajiboye from Nasarawa Utd.; Isaac Ajibola from Sporting Lagos; and Chinedu Onyinjekwe (Striker) From Fame FC, Lagos.
Others are Uche Martins from Rangers; Jesse Kelechi (MF) from Crown FC; Nazir Mohammed from Academy; Stephen Bekewe (Fwrd) from Bayelsa Utd; and Martin Owolija from Tornadoes, among others.
Unveiling the new players in Benin City, the Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Olympian Yussuf Alli urged the new players to be disciplined and focused as they continue to blend with the old ones so they can play as a formidable team that can make the state proud again.
The Sports Commission boss said he has confidence in Coach Monday Odigie and his team’s ability to make headlines in the new football season and tasked them to begin the season on a positive note by beating Rivers Utd on Sunday.
Insurance FC will host Rivers Utd in their first match of the season on Sunday, September 8, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium with majority of the new signings hoping to be on duty for their new club. Kick off time is 4pm.
The match, originally scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 7 was rescheduled by the league management following the CAF Nation’s Cup qualifiers engagement of the Super Eagles of Nigeria with Benin Republic on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Meanwhile, the Benin Arsenals have confirmed the departure of about thirteen old players most of whom won the 2023 Federation Cup with the team, including their stand-in captain and award winning goalkeeper, Amas Obasogie who have signed for different clubs abroad.
The outgone players include Amas Obasogie (GK), Sunday Anyanwu (CD);.Ebuka Akobundu (RB);Kelly Oahaimije Kester(Mf); Paul Obata(Frw); Evans Ogbonda(Frw); Jude Ebhohon(Striker); Sarki Ismael (Striker)! Chukwudi Meze (Striker); Chisom Okereke (Striker); Osaghae Junior (Striker); Wisdom Stephen (Mf) and Divine Nwanchukwu (Mf).
