As the commencement of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League approaches on Saturday, August 31, 2024, Bendel Insurance FC is intensifying its preparations. The Benin-based club is set to face Beyond Limits FC in a crucial preseason friendly match in Ikenne, Ogun State. The fixture will take place at the Remo Stars Stadium, kicking off at 9:00 AM.
This match represents the final stage of Bendel Insurance FC’s preparation before the new season begins. It follows their participation in the Governor Diri Douye Preseason Football Tournament in Bayelsa State, where they achieved notable success. The team, often referred to as the Benin Arsenals, secured the silver cup after a dramatic 7-6 penalty shootout loss to the host team, Bayelsa United. The encounter had ended in a 1-1 draw during regulation time, with Meyinwa Oritseweyimi scoring the equalizer for Bendel Insurance in the 29th minute.
Coach Monday Odigie, who has overseen the team’s recent activities, expressed confidence in the team's readiness for the upcoming season. "We are prepared to start the new season," Odigie asserted. "We have a capable team, and we will continue to play a few more friendlies to ensure the players remain in peak condition. If the league starts today, we are ready. However, we must persist in our hard work to achieve our objectives."
The preseason has also included a draw against Cynosure Football Club of Ebonyi State on August 22, 2024, with the match ending 1-1. Furthermore, Insurance FC is scheduled to face Enyimba FC in a Grade A Friendly match on Tuesday, though this fixture may be subject to change depending on the season's start date.
Coach Odigie has been busy reshaping the squad following the departure of several key players from last season. Among those who have left are captain and best goalkeeper award winner Amas Obasogie, Sunday Anwanwu (center-back), Ebuka Akobundu (right-back/center-back), Evans Ogbonda (forward), Divine Nwanchukwu (midfielder), Sarki Ismael (striker), Paul Obata (forward), Meze Chukwudi (striker), Osaghae Junior (striker), and Chisom Okereke (striker).
In response to these changes, the Benin Arsenals have been in close camping since returning from the Bayelsa tournament, focusing on the integration of new players with the existing squad. This period of intensive bonding is crucial as they prepare for their opening match against Rivers United on September 7, 2024, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
With these strategic preparations and the blend of new and experienced players, Bendel Insurance FC aims to make a strong start to the new season and build on their recent successes.
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