A week after being declared AWOL (Absent Without Official Leave), goalkeeper Joshua Baba has resurrented with Bendel Insurance of Benin.
According to a statement signed by Kehinde Osagiede, the Director, Media & Communications of Bendel Insurance, Baba resurfaced in Lagos Saturday and joined the team at its hotel as the Benin Arsenal prepare to face Sporting Lagos in their Matchday 8 fixture of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, Sunday in Lagos.
Osagiede said the management considers it necessary to promptly inform the public and all football stakeholders of the player’s return.
Bendel Insurance FC had earlier declared Joshua Baba AWOL following his failure to return to the club after the expiration of an approved period of recovery leave.
Baba was last seen shortly after the commencement of the 2026/27 NPFL season on August 30, 2026, when he sustained a knock during the club’s encounter against Warri Wolves in Benin City.
Following the injury, the goalkeeper was granted a two-week recovery period and subsequently travelled to Plateau State to visit his family.
He was expected to resume training and report back to the club in mid-September 2026. However, he failed to return as expected and only resurfaced in Lagos without prior notification to the club.
“As a player under a valid contractual agreement with Bendel Insurance until the end of 2027, Baba is bound by the obligations stipulated in his contract and the applicable regulations governing professional football in Nigeria,” Osagiede said.
He added that the club would take all necessary disciplinary and administrative measures in accordance with his contractual obligations and the relevant rules and regulations of the Nigeria Premier Football League and the Nigeria Football Federation.
Meanwhile, the management of Bendel Insurance has expressed appreciation to members of the media and other key stakeholders who have played various roles since the club issued its earlier statement declaring the goalkeeper AWOL.
He stressed that Bendel Insurance remains committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and accountability in all its dealings.