Akpan Disappearance: Bendel Insurance FC Reacts

The controversy surrounding the absence of Bendel Insurance players Emmanuel Akpan and goalkeeper Joshua Baba has taken a new turn following a response from the club’s media officer, Kehinde Osagede, Platinum News is reporting

The development comes after a report by Sharon Akhigbe of Platinum News on the players’ absence generated significant reactions among Bendel Insurance supporters, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the duo and their mysterious absence from the team.

In a statement addressing the situation, Osagede on Thursday, October 8, clarified that Emmanuel Akpan is no longer a Bendel Insurance player, insisting that the midfielder and his agent declined to extend his contract with the club.

According to the media officer, Akpan initially joined the Benin-based side on a one-year contract as a fringe player but quickly established himself as one of the team’s regulars during his first season, earning the opportunity to play Premier League football.

Osagede revealed that the club’s management was interested in retaining Akpan beyond the season, but efforts to extend his stay ultimately failed.

He explained that Akpan left the club and was absent when the team resumed preparations for the new season. The player later returned after management reportedly asked the coach to allow him to rejoin his teammates, with his salary still running.

However, Osagede said Akpan subsequently stopped training again and sent a WhatsApp message informing the club that he was no longer with the team.

“Up till now, no reason given for his action,” Osagede stated.

The response provides an important perspective on a situation that had already generated considerable discussion among supporters following the Platinum News report.

While the report succeeded in bringing attention to questions surrounding the players’ absence, the subsequent clarification from Bendel Insurance also underlines the importance of constant checks and balances in sports journalism, particularly when sensitive issues involving players, clubs and contractual matters are not well addressed

For journalists, getting information into the public domain is an important part of their responsibility.

For clubs, the situation highlights the importance of timely and transparent communication. When questions arise concerning the status of players, clear official explanations can help prevent speculation and misinformation from spreading.

The Akpan situation demonstrates why a healthy relationship between sports journalists, clubs, players and supporters remains essential. Reports can raise legitimate questions, while official responses can provide context and corrections where necessary.

Ultimately, the objective should not simply be to break a story, but to ensure that the public receives a fair, accurate and properly verified account of events.

As the situation involving Akpan and Joshua Baba continues to attract attention, the latest development serves as a reminder that checks and balances are not a witch hunt of any individual, institution or government, especially in sports journalism; rather, they are important to help the concerned bodies sit up and give the fans the best while maintaining cordial relationships with all stakeholders.