Bendel Insurance Football Club on Monday, October 6, announced the suspension of its coach, Greg Ikhenoba, on the grounds of poor performance and drafted in an Executive Director at the Sports Commission, Baldwin Bazuaye (MON), in an interim capacity till the sinking team is steadied. Baldwin Bazuaye’s mandate is clear: find a temporary solution to the team’s poor run and dismal goalscoring form until a new manager is appointed.
Given Baldwin’s role as the executive director of the commission and the extensive responsibilities that come with it, his position on the team should ideally not exceed two weeks. However, it seems he may wish to retain this position and eventually resign as executive director to focus entirely on the “Bendel Insurance” project. Just as a dog cannot guard two houses at once without one suffering, balancing both roles effectively is likely to be impossible.
Baldwin, who hasn’t been on the touchline since 2021 with Katsina United, will be addressing the team’s affairs. Two seasons ago, this team was highly regarded by many in Nigeria. However, the management must quickly decide on a suitable replacement to restore the team’s fortunes.
Here are five managers that the team should consider selecting as the next team manager.
1 Gbenga Ogunbote
The former Remo Stars manager is an experienced figure in the league—a master tactician who is known for being reserved. Over the years, he has demonstrated his capabilities, earning respect in the football community. The veteran coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, is currently being pursued by several clubs, hinting at his unique qualities recognised by only a select few.
Having led teams like Shooting Stars Sports Club, Enugu Rangers, Remo Stars Sports Club and Enyimba International in the past, his curriculum vitae speaks well for him on his capacity to lead Bendel Insurance. Beyond the sideline, Ogunbote is a teacher of coaches with his various coaching classroom activities facilitating various workshops, seminars and trainings of all sorts.
2 Kennedy Boboye
Beyond being in the league for long and understanding the nitty-gritty of the most difficult league on the continent, Boboye has a couple of big teams in the country, winning titles with two different teams at unlikely periods —Plateau United and Akwa United, handsomely.
Presently, Kennedy Boboye is unemployed and would be an excellent candidate for the Igodomigodos. He not only has the potential to restore the team’s success but also possesses a style of play that could inspire fans to return to the stadium for quality football.
3 Aliyu Zubairu
Having led Gombe United, Wikki Tourist of Bauchi and recently, Elkanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, before being snapped up by the football federation as the coach of the Flying Eagles, currently, playing in Chile’s FIFA U20 World Cup, Aliyu Zubair is another man Bendel Insurance’s management could consider in leading their team, for at least the rest of the season.
The FIFA U20 World Cup ends in about two weeks, which is enough time to buy for Bendel Insurance, if Zubairu is their choice. He led Elkanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, against all odds, to FA Cup triumph, picking a continental slot for Elkanemi for the first time in their history. If Zubairu can do it with Elkanemi, then, he can do better with Bendel Insurance Football Club.
4 Samson Siasia
SiaOne, as he is well known, is undoubtedly one of the most prominent football coaches in the country. He requires no introduction, given his impressive track record as a skilled tactician.
Siasia has previously led national teams at various levels and has a strong understanding of the Nigerian football landscape. Considering his experience and knowledge, he would be an excellent choice for the management.
Though hasn’t had more than one team coached in the league —in charge of six games at Heathland until he was appointed a national team coach in 2010, the 58-year-old boasts of unrivalled experience with over 80% of coaches in the league as of today. Siasia is also a “Developmental Coach”, who can sit well with the vision of the state’s sports commission in identifying young talents from the nooks and crannies of the state
5 Abdullahi Biffo
Another strong candidate for the management position at Bendel Insurance is Mallam Abdullahi Biffo.
Biffo has dedicated years to advancing football in the United States by training coaches and developing youth talent in various football academies. His expertise is an invaluable asset for any club.
In 2021, Biffo led Kwara United to the CAF Confederation Cup, achieving this following a third-place finish in the league. He was the inaugural manager of Remo Stars FC and has also managed notable NPFL teams such as Abia Warriors and Niger Tornadoes.
6 Abdul Maikaba
Abdu Maikaba has an extensive coaching background in the Nigerian league and is not a stranger to the players, league administrators and other coaches. Experience-wise, he has it, having led the likes of Akwa United, Enugu Rangers, Plateau United, Enyimba, and Maikaba’s experience and tactical expertise will be handy for the Benin-based side in the remaining part of the season.
7 Fatal Osho
Finished 6th with ASVO Benin last season in the Republic of Benin Ligue 1, Fatai Osho is another good manager that Bendel Insurance can consider for the vacant managerial position.
He’s had stints with Remo Stars, Akwa United, Enyimba International and Rivers United —these are good references any team management would want to see on the profile of their manager, knowing well how managing the big teams in the league could have shaped the mind and orientation of Osho, it’s worth giving him the trial to tinker the affairs of the team.
8 Usman Abdallah
One of the most experienced coaches in the NPFL, respected for his discipline and tactical awareness, is another option Bendel Insurance can explore to fill the vacant coaching position at the club.
The 51-year-old coach profiles himself as a leader of top teams in the NPFL, including the nine-time champions Wikki Tourists of Bauchi and Enyimba International, where he won the league title in 2019.
Though the Nigerian-French tactician, who had also led teams in Asia and Spain in the past, left Kano Pillars FC to join Benin Republic side, Union Sportive Cavaliers, a few months ago, a good offer and football plan could tempt him back.
9 Eddy Lord Dombraye
Eddy Dombraye is no stranger to Bendel Insurance, and many longtime fans are eager to see their former forward lead the team from the touchline.
The former manager of Lobi Stars in Makurdi holds UEFA C, B, and A licenses, showcasing his commitment to coaching education. Although he has been away for some time, there is no doubt about his capabilities—given a conducive environment, he can bring out the best in any team.
10 Henry Makinwa
Henry Makinwa took a break from the league to return to the classroom and refresh his knowledge of modern coaching techniques. Though he may be unknown to many, Makinwa has five years of experience in the league, having led ABS FC to the Premier League from the second division in an impressive manner.
After his time at ABS FC, he joined Abia Warriors for a year before being signed by Katsina United. At Katsina United FC, where he holds UEFA A, UEFA B, and UEFA Pro coaching badges, Makinwa guided the team to a historic fifth-place finish in the NPFL, the club’s highest ranking ever. He then took a break to further his coaching education.
11 Samson Unuanel
Samson Unuanel is a well-known figure in the league and has substantial experience, making him a strong candidate for Bendel Insurance. His coaching resume includes stints with Kwara United, Niger Tornadoes, Sunshine Stars, and Osun United. Unuanel also served as an assistant coach for Nigeria’s Women National Team, the Super Falcons, and coached Enyimba International, one of the country’s largest clubs, which further emphasises his technical expertise.
A firm believer in nurturing young talent, Samson Unuanel aligns well with the objectives of the sports commission in discovering and developing players for future success.
Having listed out these names, the club management must look into who could fit into their plans and help achieve their vision. The chairman sports commission can also set up trusted technically inclined individuals who will not play a selfish card to help interview these coaches to get the right candidate for the job regardless of the coach’s ethnic or religious orientation