Bendel Insurance begin off-season break, set sights on stronger 2026/27 campaign

Posted : 11 June 2026

The management of Bendel Insurance FC has approved a three-week end-of-season break for players, coaches, and backroom staff following the conclusion of the club's 2025/26 campaign.

The holiday, which takes effect from June 10, will see the team return on July 4, with preparations for the new season scheduled to begin a day later.

Addressing the squad during a meeting at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the club's General Manager, Charles Ohimekpen, urged players to remain disciplined and maintain the standards expected of professional footballers during the break.

While expressing disappointment over the team's dramatic exit from the President Federation Cup against El-Kanemi Warriors, Ohimekpen commended the players for their efforts throughout the season, particularly their fifth-place finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

"Despite the painful and disappointing result against El-Kanemi Warriors, management remains grateful to God and appreciates the commitment and sacrifices made by the players throughout the season," he said.

"We may not have achieved all our objectives, but considering where we are coming from, there are still reasons to be thankful and proud of the progress made."

The General Manager, however, admitted that surrendering a three-goal first-half advantage before eventually losing on penalties remains a painful experience for the club.

"We are not happy about how we allowed a 3-0 lead to slip away. It is a lesson for everyone, and we must ensure such a situation never happens again," he added.

Technical Manager Kennedy Boboye also challenged members of the squad expected to remain at the club next season to return with renewed determination and a stronger commitment to success.

Clearly disappointed by the Federation Cup Round of 16 defeat, Boboye described the collapse against El-Kanemi Warriors as one of the most painful moments of the campaign.

"It is a show of shame and something that will stay with us for a long time. It is a result that is difficult for a club like Bendel Insurance to accept," Boboye said.

He nevertheless encouraged the players to use the setback as motivation to work harder and help restore the club's pride in the upcoming season.

Speaking on behalf of the players, captain Kayode Solomon Oke apologized to the management and supporters for the painful Federation Cup exit and pledged that the team would bounce back stronger in the 2026/27 season.

The players and officials have now departed for their various destinations and are expected to resume next month as Bendel Insurance begins preparations for another push for domestic honours.

The three-week holiday offers Bendel Insurance FC a vital opportunity to reset and refocus ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. By channeling the disappointment of their recent cup exit into motivation, the squad is well-positioned to build on their fifth-place league finish. Ultimate success in the upcoming season will depend on how effectively the team implements these lessons upon their return in July.

Bendel Insurance begin off-season break, set sights on stronger 2026/27 campaign

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