Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin on Tuesday in Benin began to select players for the process of rebuilding the team ahead of the 2017/2018 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the selection process is expected to last for two weeks in two phases.
The State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu joined the players from across the country in the training process.
Speaking later, he gave an assurance that the selection process would be transparent and devoid of external interference.
He said the Edo State Government was clear on what it wanted to achieve with Bendel Insurance FC.
It is not going to have a team where a politician will be determining if you will be selected or not.
The coaching crew will take full responsibility for the team and so no one will interfere.
Also, we will not only fight for promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), but also win the Aiteo Cup competition.
We will ensure proper logistics to ensure the success of the team,’’ Shaibu said.
He further said the complete upgrading of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin would soon commence, including covering the stadium and changing the pitch to natural grass.
The deputy governor added that the stadium would have an upgraded drainage system that would be of international standard.
Earlier, the Chief Coach of the team, Baldwin Bazuaye, expressed confidence that the selection process would give birth to a new Bendel Insurance that would be the pride of the state.
Bazuaye assured that the team would return to top flight football in the country very soon.
