.Ex-Skipper Says Bendel Insurance Must Return To Premier League –

Former skipper of Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin, Gabriel Benson, has challenged the newly constituted Interim Management Committee, set up to reposition the pride of Edo State, to fashion out how the team would return to the Nigeria Premier League, NPL.
The Edo state Governor, Adams Oshiomhole constituted an Interim Management Committee recently to reposition Bendel insurance Football Club of Benin.
The committee, which has three months to complete its tasking assignment, has the Secretary to Edo State government, Prof julius Ihonvbere, as its Chairman, while former Super Eagles Coaches; Shuaibu Amodu and Austine Eguavoen are members.
Also in the committee are NFF Marketing Committee head, Mike Itemuagbor, Edo State FA boss, Abel Ehigie and former Bendel insurance defender, Charles Ihemekpen.
Looking at the composition of the board, Benson gave kudos to Governor Oshiomole, for ‘taking the right step’, which he said would give the Benin Arsenal a new lease of life.
“The governor has done well by setting up a committee to look into the plight of Bendel insurance.
“I’m pleased to hear that the case of Bendel Insurance is being looked into and I hope the new effort yields positive results, because the club have suffered neglect for many years.
“Seeing the likes of Amodu and Eguavoen in the committee raises some hope for Insurance because they are ex-footballers and coaches. Having said that, my concern is how the committee will put the return of Insurance to the Premier League a top priority in its reports and activities”, Benson said.
Benson advised the governor to ensure he follows up his noble idea of setting up the restructuring committee, saying the players who once played for Bendel Insurance knew the club had problem of funding and sincerity.
Benson concluded by urging those who would handle the technical affairs of Insurance to be fair in their selection of players, while also calling on the supporters to rally round the 1978 FA champions.