Bendel Insurance Football Club officially welcomed its new Head Coach, Kennedy Boboye, and unveiled its fresh club kits at a ceremony on Tuesday at the Media Centre of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
The event drew key sports figures, including the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, Chief Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, the Commission’s Permanent Secretary and Executive Directors, Bendel Insurance management, officials from the Edo State Football Association and Referees Association, players, stakeholders, and supporters.
In a statement via his media officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele hailed Boboye’s appointment as “a new dawn for Bendel Insurance FC.”
Addressing the gathering, Enabulele said the coach’s arrival signaled a fresh era of transformation and ambition for the Benin-based club.
“This is not just about announcing a name,” he said. “It’s a decisive step in rebuilding and repositioning this great club — not merely to participate in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), but to be a consistent contender.”
Reflecting on the team’s struggles, Enabulele added, “We recently had to make the tough call to suspend the previous coach following disappointing performances that left our team in the lower half of the table — far below our standards. That decision was not taken lightly. Despite full support and autonomy to recruit players, results fell short.”
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He stressed that Bendel Insurance is “not a mid-table team” and called for unity among fans, sponsors, and stakeholders. “Our club has history, heritage, and passionate supporters. We owe them more — and we are committed to delivering.”
Highlighting Boboye’s credentials, Enabulele said, “He has won the NPFL twice. He knows what it takes to succeed and brings the winning mindset that aligns with our ambitions.” He added, “To our new Head Coach, welcome to a club with a proud past and a hungry future. You have our full support.”
Enabulele also reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s commitment to sports under Governor Monday Okpebholo, noting investments in infrastructure, athlete welfare, and strategic appointments as part of a broader vision for the state’s sporting ecosystem.
Bendel Insurance FC Chairman, Chief Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, applauded the management for acting swiftly to reposition the club. Recounting a recent trip to Lagos to watch the team play Ikorodu City, he praised the supporters’ unwavering commitment, noting their promise to provide better travel support for the team.
Chief Tenebe also urged ALGON and all Edo local government chairmen to back Bendel Insurance collectively, stressing, “We now have an experienced tactician who understands the NPFL. It’s time to start winning again.”
In his first remarks as Head Coach, Kennedy Boboye expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “This is a club with tradition, history, and ambition. I know what Bendel Insurance means to Edo people. I am here to give my very best, with everyone’s support,” he said.
Boboye, a Delta-born coach, has twice won the NPFL — with Plateau United in 2017 and Akwa United in 2021. He signed a two-year deal with Bendel Insurance, marking the start of a new chapter for the club, aimed at rebuilding momentum, strengthening the squad, and restoring the team’s historic winning spirit.
Hon. Enabulele had earlier led Boboye on a tour of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium facilities, including the main bowl, the training pitches, dressing rooms, media centre, gym, and recovery centre.
