Bendel Insurance Football Club has expressed deep sorrow over the death of its former coach, Lawrence Akpokona, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the club, Edo State and the Nigerian football community.
Akpokona reportedly died on Friday, June 26, 2026, after a prolonged illness that left him bedridden for several months, throwing family, friends and football stakeholders into mourning.
In a condolence message signed by the club’s General Manager, Charles Ihimekpen, the management said the late tactician made invaluable contributions to the success of Bendel Insurance and would always be remembered as one of the club’s greatest coaches.
The club noted that Akpokona guided the Benin Arsenal to continental glory by winning the then CAF Cup on December 4, 1994, after earlier leading the team to two WAFU Cup titles, achievements it described as landmarks in the club’s history.
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According to the statement, Akpokona’s tactical brilliance, humility and commitment to talent development earned him the reputation of a silent achiever whose impact extended far beyond the football pitch.
It added that no account of Bendel Insurance’s achievements would be complete without recognising his immense contributions.
The late coach also left his mark on the domestic football scene through his successful spells with Ocean Boys FC and Julius Berger, where he played a key role in nurturing players and strengthening the Nigerian league.
While praying for the peaceful repose of his soul, the club condoled with his family and the entire football fraternity, saying it was comforted by the enduring legacy of excellence, discipline and football development he left behind.
