EDO STATE governor Godwin Obaseki has urged the people of the state to come out en-masse to support Bendel Insurance Football Club as the team files out against Renaissance Sportive de Berkane of Morocco tomorrow Saturday, 16 September in the first leg second round of this year’s CAF Confederation Club competition.
Governor Obaseki made this clarion call on Friday in Benin ahead of Saturday’s 4 p.m. kick-off time for the encounter.
The governor’s message to the people of Edo was delivered by the Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Olympian Yusuf Alli and the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Andrew Okungbowa during a press conference at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The governor is expected to lead supporters and fans of the club to cheer Insurance FC to victory against RS Berkane, even as he assured that his administration will not relent in its commitment to sustaining the club at the topflight football level in Nigeria and Africa.
According to Andrew Okungbowa, “Let me, on behalf of the government of Edo State and our governor, sincerely appreciate the people of Edo State, including the civil servants for the massive support they gave Bendel Insurance FC against their opponents from Algeria, ASO Chlef in the first preliminary round game last month.
“The rhythm of that massive support still echoes. We are ready for the second round first leg again, come Saturday, 16 September at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin against RS Berkane of Morocco. We are calling on our people again to come to the stadium to support Bendel Insurance FC. Your support in the first game played a very big role in the Insurance victory, that is why we are inviting you all again.” Andrew Okungbowa started.
“In a bid to drum up support for the club fondly called ‘Edo Arsenals”, the Edo State government is offering free rides for spectators coming to the stadium the same way we did in the first round match.
“We have thrown the gate open with free tickets to watch. Our governor has put everything in place to ensure victory for Bendel Insurance on Saturday.” Okungbowa said.
The Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission Olympian Yusuf Alli also expressed appreciation to the people of the state for their massive support for the club in the first-round match against ASO Chlef of Algeria last month.
“Saturday’s match is crucial. We enjoyed the massive support from the people and government and we succeeded in the first round. Nobody gave us the chance against the North African opponents. Kudos to the coaching crew of Bendel Insurance FC led by Monday Odigie.
“In Saturday’s match, we appeal to Edo people to give us that kind of massive support again“. Yusuf Alli said.
Alli went on to explain that, the boss of Edo Commercial Transport Service (ECTS) Mrs Hauwa Dupe Ohikhuare has given the assurance of a free ride for all intending fans to the stadium courtesy of the state government.
“There will be a roadshow to create more awareness. Fifteen thousand tickets are available for free. So, we invite everybody, young and old to come and cheer Bendel Insurance to victory“, the former African Long Jump King stated.
The Edo Arsenals, who are Nigeria’s Federation Cup holders, secured their second-round passage in the CAF Confederations Cup after an impressive performance against Aso Chief of Algeria, and a win over RS Berkane will land them in the group stage of the continental club football showpiece.
Eighteen-Eleven Media