The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has commended the Nigerian Ambassador to Algeria, Ambassador Aisha M. Garba for the warm reception and support she accorded Bendel Insurance Football Club during their stay in the North African country for the 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup competition fixture against ASO Chlef.
The governor expressed his appreciation through the Consultant to Edo State Government on Sports, Dr. Kweku Tandoh, during the team’s appreciation visit to the Nigerian Embassy in Hidra, Sidi Yahia, Algeria, on Sunday.
Obaseki thanked the Ambassador for her kind gestures and for being a caring host to the team in Algeria.
Bendel Insurance arrived in the Algerian capital, Algiers, on Friday afternoon to the warm embrace of Ambassador Aisha Garba at the International Airport.
The Nigerian Ambassador and her entourage later led the Benin Arsenals to their hotel. The Ambassador again visited the team on Saturday afternoon before the match when she assured them of support throughout their stay and during their match against ASO Chlef in Algiers.
She also mobilized a good number of Nigerians residing in Algeria to support Bendel Insurance during their CAF Confederation Cup match against ASO Chlef of Algeria which Bendel Insurance won 4-3 on penalties to advance to the second round of the competition.
Aisha Garba, on Sunday afternoon also played host to the victorious Bendel Insurance FC at the Nigeria Embassy.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Ambassador Aisha Gabar commended Governor Obaseki for matching words with action in making Bendel Insurance great again.
She said that Bendel Insurance FC made her proud during the match with their show of resilience and determination that eventually gave them victory over a highly experienced ASO Chlef who enjoyed massive support from Algiers football fans.
“I was on top of the world yesterday when we won the game. The mood was like when your child is selected for an international award. I returned home happy and was excited for the success of the team,” she noted.
According to her, the success of Bendel Insurance since the past four years is a testament to the commitment and pragmatism of Governor Godwin Obaseki, adding that Bendel Insurance FC is a national asset that must be preserved, thanking the Edo State Governor for his visionary leadership and conscious investment in the club.
