Ben Ogbemudia, the Media Officer, Bendel Insurance FC of Benin, on Monday said that the club signed-on 35 players to prosecute the 2013/2014 league season.
Ogbemudia announced this to newsmen in Benin at the club’s resumption for training after two weeks Christmas and New Year’s break.
The officer said that the new players were to prepare the pro-league team for the season with the first match against First Bank FC of Lagos on January 25 in Lagos.
The officer said the 35 players were made up of some of the club’s old players as well as five from the Amodu Shaibu Academy.
He added that others were recruited from the premier, pro and the nationwide leagues nationwide.
Ogbemudia said the club’s Sole Administrator, Austin Eguavoen, expressed optimism that the crop of players would ensure the club gained promotion to the elite division.
He added that Eguavoen had also solicited for the cooperation of the club’s interim board led by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.
“Eguavoen, who also doubles as the club’s Head of Technical Department, had also solicited for the ultimate support of the state governor for a successful league campaign this season.
“Our sole administrator has also charged our players to be up and doing.
“He urged the supporters of the club to turn out in large number to give their maximum support to the club,’’ Ogbemudia said.
Meanwhile, a group who identify itself as lovers of Bendel Insurance has appealed to Gov. Adams Oshiomhole to, as a matter of urgency, release fund for the players’ sign-on fees.
The leader of the group, Lucky Anderson, said payment of the fees and prompt release of funds to the club would enhance their chances of gaining promotion to the elite division next season.