Bendel Insurance head coach Greg Ikhenoba has expressed satisfaction with his players' readiness and attitude as they return to training after the holiday break. The team is gearing up for the second stanza of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), which is set to resume on Saturday, January 25.

In an interview with the club’s media team, Ikhenoba lauded the players’ commitment and emphasized the need for discipline and hard work in the weeks ahead.

Bendel Insurance will face defending champions Enyimba in their first match of the resumed season. Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Ikhenoba expressed optimism about blending the team’s existing players with new additions.

“I’m happy to welcome my boys back to work,” Ikhenoba said. “We know the tasks at hand, and I am happy they understand where we are, where we are coming from, and where we hope to be as well as the challenges.”

The coach called on his squad to put pleasure aside and make sacrifices to ensure a strong finish to the season.

Fortifying the Squad

Ikhenoba also revealed that efforts are underway to strengthen the team in alignment with the support from the Edo State Sports Commission and the club’s chairman, Hon. Desmond Amadin Enabulele.

“The management has given us the nod to fortify our team to compete favorably,” he said. “We have started the process and hope to find the round pegs in the round holes in appreciation of the commitment of our chairman and the state government.”

This proactive approach to recruitment highlights the club’s ambition to not only maintain their status in the league but also challenge for a top finish.

Opinion: A Team with Purpose

Bendel Insurance’s positive approach under Ikhenoba’s leadership is a testament to the club’s growth mindset. Returning to training with a clear focus on blending new and old talents signals a team that understands the importance of preparation and cohesion.

Facing Enyimba so early after the break is a litmus test for the team's readiness. While the champions will present a formidable challenge, Bendel Insurance’s commitment to hard work and team building could be the catalyst for a strong second stanza.

The decision to bolster the squad reflects a recognition of the competitive nature of the NPFL and the club’s desire to make a mark. If the new additions gel quickly and the current squad maintains their positive attitude, Bendel Insurance could be a force to reckon with in the latter half of the season.

As the January 25 kickoff draws closer, fans of Bendel Insurance will undoubtedly look forward to seeing their team rise to the occasion. With a solid foundation and renewed determination, the future looks promising for the Edo State-based club.