BENIN CITY – Management of Bendel Insurance Football Club has approved a three-week end-of-season break for players, coaches, and backroom staff, effective from June 10, 2026.
The team is expected to resume duty on July 4, while training for the new season will commence on July 5.
Addressing the players and officials during a meeting at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, the General Manager of Bendel Insurance FC, Charles Ohimekpen, conveyed management’s goodwill message and urged members of the team to remain disciplined throughout the holiday period.
He reminded them to uphold the values expected of professional footballers while spending time with their families.
Ohimekpen expressed management’s disappointment over the club’s dramatic exit from the 2026 President Federation Cup following a penalty shootout defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors on June 6, despite holding a 3-0 lead at halftime.
He, however, commended the players for their efforts during the season, particularly their fifth-place finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
“We could not achieve all that we planned for, but when you look at where we are coming from, there is every reason to thank God and appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of the players,” he said.
“Management is not happy about how we squandered a 3-0 first-half lead against El-Kanemi Warriors and eventually lost on penalties. We hope everyone has learnt valuable lessons from that experience so that such a setback will not happen again next season.”
The club management wished the players and coaching crew a restful break and advised them to maintain good health ahead of preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.
Also speaking, Technical Manager Kennedy Boboye described the Federation Cup defeat as one of the most painful moments of the season, urging players who will remain with the club next season to return with renewed determination.
“It is a show of shame and something very painful that will remain with us for a long time. It is a result that is difficult for a club like Bendel Insurance to accept,” Boboye said.
He charged the players to work harder and remain committed to helping the club erase the painful memories of the Round of 16 exit when they return for the new season.
Responding on behalf of the players, captain Kayode Solomon Oke apologized to the management and supporters of the club for the disappointing Federation Cup loss and pledged that the team would make amends in the 2026/27 season.
He assured fans that the players would return stronger and more determined to achieve greater success for the club.