Gov Okpebholo unveils new management team of Bendel Insurance, Edo Queens

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has unveiled the new management team and players of Bendel Insurance Football and Edo Queens Football Clubs of Benin.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to revitalising the football clubs and restoring it back to its glory days.

Governor Okpebholo, represented by his Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on Tuesday, did the official unveiling at the Government House, in Benin

He recognised the importance of sport in building cohesion and fostering unity as well as driving economic growth in the society.

Idahosa said that the state government places great importance on sporting activities and is committed to revitalizing the twin clubs and taking them to enviable heights in both national and intercontinental football competitions.

“It is with great pleasure I welcome you to this epoch-making event. Today’s unveiling of the management and players of Bendel Insurance FC and Edo Queens underscores the importance this administration places on sport as a verifiable vehicle for cohesion and progress

“The appointment of the new management team and extra players are testaments of government resolve to revitalise Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens FC and restore it to its glory days in Nigeria football competitions.

“And the resolve of this present administration to support Edo State Commission’s vision of grooming talents, especially youths in channeling their energy as envisioned by the founding fathers

“The new coach, the technical directors and the team management must work together to improve the performance of Bendel Insurance FC and advance the club beyond the Premier League tournament.

“The new players must shun indiscipline, hooliganism and embrace teamwork to place them ahead in the league,” he said

Earlier, the Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Desmond Enabulele, said the gathering was unique as it avails an opportunity to unveil the team that would take the clubs to national and international competitions.

Hon. Enabulele appreciated the Governor for his support, stressing that the positive energy being infused by into the team is yielding results and already sending positive vibes within the sporting world.

He ascribed the recent stellar performance of Edo Queens at the recently concluded CAF women’s championship to the positive support from the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

He said the commission had carefully selected the management crew and new players based on their performances, competence and capacity and assured the government of improved results in their performances, promising to bring national and international glory to the state.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of Austin Iyamu as Technical Director, Peter Obanor as Team Manager and Greg Ikhenoba as substantive Head Coach of Bendel Insurance FC.

Also unveiled were 13 new players injected into Edo Queens FC to further fortify them in the new season.

The defending champions of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Edo Queens will be kickstarting their 2025 football season campaign on Wednesday, 15th January 2025 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, as they play host to Abia Angels FC.

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