On Tuesday morning at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, the Edo State Sports Commission (ESC) under the distinguished leadership of Hon. Desmond Amadin Enabulele, delightedly hosted other top government officials and the media to the unveiling ceremony of management, technical crew and players of Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens.
The gathering was graced by the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa as special guests of honour with other eminent dignitaries in attendance.
This unveiling event, also noted that the Sports Commission with the authority of the State Government have taken some important decisions on the way forward for the two Benin-based football clubs.
The new appointees and players of both teams, meanwhile at the occasion, were officially introduced to and unveiled by His Excellence while being entrusted with effective management and development of the clubs. Also, were equally admonished to bring their expertise for success.
The Sports Commission Chairman, noted that the appointees being unveiled at the ceremony were carefully selected based on their individual track records and performances.
“It might interest you to know that Rollanson Odeh we are introducing today as General Manager has managed Edo Queens before now as Head Coach, and had also won laurels with several other clubs as manager.
“On the side of Bendel Insurance, we did not have any difficulty in taking the decision to Greg Ikhenoba as the substantive Head Coach, because he has been able to prove himself as a capable hand to take our darling team to greater heights to the envy of other clubs.
“He has served under many coaches and learned well, today he is being unveiled as the head coach and we have confidence in his ability to lead the team.
“Having succeeded in guiding us to safety in the Premier League after winning three matches at home, three draws away and one loss. I think our Head coach deserves applause,” The Executive Chairman stated.
Hon. Enabulele, also elaborated the need for reshuffling the technical side of the team following the shocking resignation of Monday Odigie in November 2024.
“We appointed Austin Iyamu who is being unveiled today as the Technical Director of Bendel Insurance, filling the void in the technical department of our darling team. He is an ex-club player, and now a senior coach of national and international repute.
“Peter Obanor is a disciplined and honest businessman who played for Insurance in the Golden era of the club, when winning was the only slogan. Obanor won the WAFU Cup with the club in 1993 to 1995,” Hon. Enabulele overemphasized.
The Sports Commission Board, have assumed office for about three weeks now, saw the need to fortify the technical crew and management teams of Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens with a view to strengthening the squads with new players for their respective club seasons.
“We told ourselves the truth that if we want to pursue the set goal and to really run with the mandate given to us by our Governor, then we must strengthen the teams both in the managerial and technical departments as well as bring fresh legs into the teams.
“It is our expectation that both clubs suppass these exploits in the current football season,” the ESC Boss expressed.