Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Thursday evening watched the state-owned Bendel Insurance FC train at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin ahead of Saturday’s CAF Confederation Cup tie against ASO Chief FC of Algeria.
Obaseki, accompanied by top government officials, pledged a N5 million cash reward for the team ahead of the game.
Obaseki said: “You have all done so well to get to where you are now.
“So today, I decided to be with you and watch you train and encourage you and tell you that this is just the beginning.
“We have made arrangements to fly you to all the destinations where you have matches.
“We must go and win this tournament, but for Saturday, just be in good spirits.
“You know what to do: rest properly and ensure you win for us.
“We, as a government, will do our bit for you.
“We love you and love how you are making us proud.
“So, continue to make us proud.
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“We know how capable you are as a team and I will be here on Saturday to cheer you up.”
Expressing confidence that the team would come out victorious, the Governor said that he was optimistic that with the support the team would get from the home crowd, Bendel Insurance Football Club would defeat their opponent.
Obaseki said: “We want Edo people to come and enjoy what we have provided here in the State.
“They should come and have a good time here at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
“It’s not all the time we sit in our houses to watch the Premier League, we should develop our own league.
“This is the beginning of getting our own people more interested in local sports and putting our money here.”
The Technical Director of Bendel Insurance Football Club, Monday Odigie, commended the governor for his continuous support and encouragement to the team.
Odigie said: “We are doing the best we can for Saturday’s match and we are close to our best and look forward to a positive game.”
The elated players, who thanked Obaseki and his entourage, assured the governor and Edo people of victory, promising an exciting outing on Saturday.
On the Governor’s entourage was the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Osaigbovo Iyoha; Chairman, Edo State Peoples Democratic Party, Anthony Aziegbemi; and Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Darlington Obaseki.
