Ilekam Ikechukwu (Flakes)
Renowned football Enthusiast Joseph Odede popularly known as “One Man Riot” has felicitated with the management and players of Bendel Insurance of Benin for being crowned the 2023 federation Cup champions.
The Bayelsa State born football Enthusiast made this disclosure via a phone chat with ExclusiveNews expressing his joy for the strides attained by the Coach Monday Odigie led team against the odds.
“Factually speaking pundits never gave Bendel Insurance the favoured odds to have won themselves a place to represent Nigeria on the continent having just returned back to the NPFL from the NNL, we can rationally say that they lacked the experience to compete with the big boys already playing in the elite division. But they defied expectations in the end to bag the much coveted trophy after many decades in obscurity, now continenetal football has returned back in Edo State”.
The towering football figure further praised the impact of the state’s deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu on the team, stressing that his influence couldn’t have gone unnoticed.
“I must commend the unflinching support shown by the sports Loving Deputy Governor, Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu who at a point was a member of the team; he has been the bedrock of the team in this strideful moment”
“Congrats to the team for winning the federation Cup and subsequently booking a continental ticket to represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup next season. You put forth a valiant effort as a group and will surely go ahead for a continental triumph! All the best!!!”
Bendel Insurance pipped traditional rivals Enugu Rangers by a lone goal in the finals of the federation cup played at the Stephen Keshi stadium Asaba last week as they were crowned champions, thanks to Imade Osarenkhoe’s first half penalty.