The Edo State Government in collaboration with the Edo State Sports Commission on Tuesday officially unveiled the new management teams, technical crew, and players for Bendel Insurance Football Club and Edo Queens Football Club.
The event, held at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, was graced by top government functionaries, sports administrators, and football enthusiasts.
In his address, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, representing the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, underscored the administration’s commitment to revitalizing sports as a vehicle for unity and development.
“Today’s unveiling of the Head Coach, Technical Director, Team Manager, and players, as well as the Head Coach and players of Edo Queens Football Club, underscores the importance the present administration places on sports as a veritable vehicle of promoting unity and cohesion,” Idahossa said.
The Deputy Governor highlighted the government’s sustained efforts to prioritize the welfare of athletes, adding that the state remains committed to achieving greater heights in athletics competitions.
“The new Head Coach, Technical Director, and Team Manager must work together seamlessly to improve the performance of Bendel Insurance Football Club and advance the club beyond premier league tournaments,” he emphasised.
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, also reiterated the administration’s resolve to transform the sports sector.
Enabulele noted that the appointments of football legends and former players to key positions are aimed at ensuring accelerated progress and success for the clubs.
“The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has given me the mandate to ensure a turnaround in the sports sector,” Enabulele said.
Among those unveiled were Rollanson Aituari Odeh as General Manager of Edo Queens, Austin Iyamu and Peter Obanor as Technical Director and Team Manager, respectively, and Greg Ikhenoba as the Head Coach for Bendel Insurance.
The state government has also recruited 12 new players to strengthen Edo Queens as they defend their title in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL).
The Deputy Governor emphasized discipline and teamwork for players, urging them to avoid hooliganism and work cohesively to remain ahead of other clubs.
“The new players must shun indiscipline, football hooliganism, and embrace teamwork at all times to place them ahead of other football clubs,” Idahosa said.
The ceremony precedes the kick-off of the 2025 NWFL season, with Edo Queens set to host Abia Angels Football Club on January 15 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. The game, scheduled for 6:00pm, promises to attract notable football personalities from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and NWFL.
Edo State remains proud of its achievements in sports, particularly the superlative performances of Edo Queens, which continue to solidify the state’s reputation as a sports powerhouse.
