The Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has given a pat on the back to the players and technical crew of Bendel Insurance over their fine start to the Nigeria National League over the weekend.
Insurance, playing at home at the UNIBEN sports complex in Benin, defeated Spartans of Lagos by 3-0 in a game the homers dominated from start to finish.
Shaibu, who alongside other top Edo State Government officials watched the encounter, said the re-branded soccer outfit has shown that “they mean business” and that the race to the elite class would be navigated successfully.
He said: “I m happy with this fine start.
“As a government, we will encourage the boys to go all the way.
“Our target is to see the team land in the elite division next season.
“With what we saw in this very first game, we are on course.”
The Chairman of Edo State Football Association, Frank Ilaboya, was also full of praise for Insurance, even as he commended Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy for paying special attention to the club.
Ilaboya said: “Insurance has never had it so good.
“Governor Obaseki and his deputy are solidly behind the team and the only way to show appreciation is a successful campaign.”
The Edo FA boss charged the NNL to ensure all the matches going forward are closely monitored as that is the only way teams can gain promotion on merit.
Insurance would in Week 2 face 3SC in Ibadan in what would easily pass as the star match of Match Day 2.
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