Bendel Insurance’s defender has reassured fans that the Benin Arsenal will bounce back after a turbulent 2024/25 season has taken yet another blow, with the team now sitting at the bottom of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table.
The club’s struggles were compounded by a three-point and three-goal deduction following violence against match officials in their 0-1 home loss to Kano Pillars last weekend.
The punitive measure from league authorities has worsened an already challenging campaign for the team, which has been on a poor run of form. Despite this, defender Hussaini Abdullahi has stepped forward to appeal to the club’s passionate supporters, urging them to remain calm and patient.
The centre-back, Abdullahi spoke on the importance of unity during this difficult time. “We know this season hasn’t gone the way any of us expected, and we feel the pain of our fans. We understand the frustratiion; their passion is what drives this team. But we must channel that energy positively,” Abdullahi said. “Violence has no place in football, and it only hurts the team we all love.”
Abdullahi also assured fans that the players are committed to turning the season around, despite the challenges. “This is not the position we want to be in, and as players, we take responsibility. We are working hard to improve our performances and bring pride back to the club,” he added.
As the team prepares for their next fixture, the hope is that the message of calm and support helps the club navigate its current crisis. Bendel Insurance will on Sunday, November 17 face defending champions, Enugu Rangers at the People’s Cathedral in Enugu in matchday 12 as they hope to bounce back. The team currently sits bottom of the log with nine points and a -5 goal difference.