The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended Bendel Insurance Football Club for their outstanding performance against ASO Chlef of Algeria during the preliminary stage of the CAF Confederations Cup, assuring the team of sustained support to ensure that they continue to do the State proud on the continental stage.
Bendel Insurance of Benin had last Saturday qualified for the next round of the CAF Confederations Cup after defeating ASO Chlef of Algeria 4-3 on penalties.
Receiving the victorious team, its officials and supporters at the Government House in Benin City, Obaseki reassured of his government’s commitment to sports development.
He said, “I want to thank you my boys for making us really proud and congratulate you for this great performance. You gave me your words and you kept your words. We thank God for your victory.
“It’s a long road ahead but you have shown from this first outing that you are up to the task and all you need is encouragement from the owners of the Club. I just want you to know that as long as I am on this seat as governor of Edo State, I will continue to support you.
Obaseki added, “We would do everything to bring out the best in you. We believe in you, you are good and you need support and encouragement as I speak for all Edo people. We are all praying for you and are sure Edo people will all come out on the 16th of September to support you against the Moroccan team, just as they did the last time against the Algerians.”
The governor also commended the coach and the technical team for their commitment which led to the victory, adding, “I want to thank the coach and the technical officials of the team for taking this assignment very seriously and responsibly. Thanks for taking the team like your own, giving your best to the team and this is the time to give more to the team. For the supporters’ club, you have always been there and your bus is ready.”
Obaseki further noted, “I want to welcome you back home. There are greater works ahead of you. You have done your part and kept your word and I will do my part and keep my promise to you and also not forgetting the supporters’ club.”
On his part, the Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Ali, who was full of praises for the governor for his support of the team, said: “We have put up a great team, mobilized the fans and it was well executed as the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was filled to capacity. We won the first leg and people were doubting what would happen in the second leg in Algeria. It was a very tough battle but we won.
“This is the happiest moment for us as we drove straight from the Airport to your office to receive us.”
Also, the Technical Director and Head Coach of Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin, Monday Odigie, noted, “We are very grateful to you for the support you have given to the team since you came in as governor of Edo State. The boys will continue to give their very best to justify the huge investments and attention you have given to the team. We pray God continues to lead us to come out with a better performance as we have done.”
