Just two days after announcing the suspension of team coach Greg Ikhenoba, the management of Bendel Insurance Football Club has begun searching for a new head coach, with five Class A coaches listed, platinumnewsng.com is reporting
In the meantime, the management has appointed Baldwin Bazuaye, the Executive Director of the Sports Commission, to oversee the team while the review of Ikhenoba’s suspension takes place. However, stakeholder concerns have compelled the management to expedite the search for a replacement.
Although the management could be nursing the idea of having Baldwin to take over as coach permanently, he is currently unable to resign from his role as Executive Director due to other commitments in the commission.
According to information reaching platinumnewsng.com, the management has initiated the search for a new coach, which includes some of the names mentioned in an article published on Tuesday, October 7 “11 Coaches Bendel Insurance FC Should Consider”.
While there are candidates under consideration, two potential options are currently leading teams in the league, making their recruitment tight.
Other coaches in the local scene are tied to clubs but have reportedly expressed openness to new opportunities. The management will need to make extra efforts to secure a Class A coach for the team. Below is a list of coaches under consideration for the Technical Director position:
1 Daniel Ogunmodede
Currently with the reigning champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Ogunmodede is preparing his team for a match against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in the second preliminary round of the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League.
While he is seen as an unlikely catch, given his current commitments, sources suggest that if Bendel Insurance can meet his conditions, he may consider the position.
Known fondly as “IJA Ball,” his coaching style and extensive experience from continental engagements make him a strong candidate for the team.
2 Festus Allen
An experienced local coach, Festus Allen may also be considered for the role. He has a deep understanding of the local culture and football, along with a strong CV.
Over the past five years, he has coached Cynosure FC (2020-2022), MFM FC (2022-2023), and recently led AbraySports FC in the Nationwide League.
Allen has also managed teams like Bayelsa United, First Bank FC, and Shooting Stars Sports Club. His vast experience and respect among players could be invaluable if selected.
3 Imama Amapakabo
Before the start of the 2025/2026 NPFL season, Amapakabo was approached by Kano Pillars for the vacant head coach position, but Abia Warriors managed to retain him, believing he could lead them to success on the continental stage.
Currently, his team is sitting third in the league, and a good result in their next match could elevate them to second place.
Reportedly interested in a new challenge, Amapakabo’s pedigree and national team experience would make him an excellent fit for Bendel Insurance if the management can negotiate his release from Abia Warriors.
4 Kennedy Boboye
According to sources within the Samuel Ogbemudia camp, Boboye is also being considered for the coaching position.
His proven track record in the NPFL, along with his experience with the national team, makes him a compelling candidate. However, the management will need to clarify what he would bring to the club if hired.
5 Emmanuel Amuneke
Another notable name under discussion is Emmanuel Amuneke, a former international player. However, his current role with Heartland of Owerri is yet to be clarified.
Additionally, the discussants were briefed on his appointment in Imo state, as being more than just a coach, but also an ambassador and a strong backbone of Imo sports as far as the governor’s book is concerned.
As the day counts, the management is intensifying efforts to get the best for the management and the fans, but they are applying caution and trying to analyse the situation very well so as not to press the panic button, which may eventually bring about a setback to the team.
The management’s search for a new coach continues, with the hope of finding the right fit to lead Bendel Insurance Football Club forward.P
Photos: Google