Bendel Insurance have caused a stir ahead of the new Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season by offloading 13 players from their squad, just to make room for 18 fresh recruits as they prepare for an ambitious campaign.
The Benin-based club cleared out a significant portion of their squad, including key players who were part of their successful 2023 Federation Cup success, Footballrover reports.
Footballrover understands that their stand-in captain and award-winning goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, who was instrumental in the team’s victories, has signed for a club abroad.
The 13 players shown the exit door include seasoned defenders and attackers, many of whom had established themselves as key figures in the team.
Apart from Obasogie, the list of players leaving the club includes Sunday Anyanwu (centre-back), Ebuka Akobundu (right-back), and midfielders like Kelly Oahaimije Kester, Divine Nwanchukwu, and Wisdom Stephen.
It's time to say goodbye to everyone @insurance_fc. Thank you for everything ❤️
I've made so many good memories at this club and learned a lot.
Thanks to my teammates, coaches, fans, and everyone involved in my journey.
Now it's time for a new chapter. 💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/VDQNbpiGSd
— Nwachukwu Divine (@Divineho17) September 5, 2024
Forward players such as Paul Obata, Evans Ogbonda, Jude Ebhohon, Sarki Ismael, Chukwudi Meze, Chisom Okereke, and Osaghae Junior have also moved on.
With these exits, Bendel Insurance has set its sights on rebuilding with a revamped squad.
The team has signed 18 new players, positioning themselves as serious contenders for the upcoming season.
Among the fresh faces are former Enyimba stars Uche Collins and James Oronsaye, whose experience and quality are expected to bolster the team’s defensive and midfield setups.
Other notable signings include Kayode Oke from Shooting Stars, Suleiman Solihu from Kwara United, and Emmanuel Ugwu from Dakkada FC, all of whom will bring valuable depth to the team.
Bendel Insurance also added attacking options with the acquisition of Moses Ajiboye from Nasarawa United, Isaac Ajibola from Sporting Lagos, and Chinedu Onyinjekwe from Fame FC.
As the new-look Bendel Insurance team prepare for the NPFL season, they will have their first opportunity to showcase their strength on Sunday, September 8, 2024, when they host Rivers United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Be the first to comment on "How Bendel Insurance Axed 13 Players to Make Room for 18 New Signings Ahead of NPFL Campaign"