Bendel Insurance Coach On Thin Ice After Disappointing Home Results

Bendel Insurance Head Coach Greg Ikhenoba is under intense pressure after being ordered to turn the club’s NPFL campaign around—or risk losing his job. The directive comes after the Benin-based side suffered another frustrating home result over the weekend.

Insurance were held to a 1-1 draw by Bayelsa United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Saturday, a disappointing follow-up to last week’s 3-2 defeat to Enyimba in Aba. The result has left the club hierarchy concerned and prompted a stern warning to the coaching staff.

After the game, club Chairman Emperor Jarret Tenebe and Edo State Sports Commission Chairman Baldwin Bazuaye met with Ikhenoba and his backroom staff to emphasize the urgent need for improvement.

“Two draws at home out of three home games is not a good commitment for a team like Bendel Insurance. And we told the coaches so in no uncertain terms,” Bazuaye, a former Nigeria international, said. “They have to improve. Insurance deserve better results so that the government, which funds the team, will be encouraged each time we request support. Things cannot continue this way. We’ve already lost four points at home and it’s important they turn a new leaf.”

The spotlight now turns to this weekend’s crucial Matchday 7 clash against table-toppers Nasarawa United. During the meeting, Tenebe made it clear that immediate results are expected.

“We need to improve. It’s very important. We still have another home game (vs Nasarawa United) this weekend. By the time we enter the first transfer window, we’ll review the team’s performance,” Tenebe told the coaches.

The coming days will be pivotal for Ikhenoba and Bendel Insurance as the team battles to salvage their NPFL campaign and satisfy the high expectations of both club officials and fans.