GOVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of Edo State last night received the Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin City on the team’s return from Algeria after a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over ASO Chlef in their CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round tie.
Bendel Insurance advanced to the second round after the victory in Algiers on Sunday, with the tie ending 1-1 on aggregate before going to penalties.
The governor redeemed his pledge to reward Insurance handsomely, which he made at the Benin Airport before they left the state for Algiers last Wednesday.
Although the amount of money Governor Obaseki released to Insurance as a ‘token’ was not disclosed, the team left Edo State Government House happy.
“Thank you, my boys. You have made us proud by going to Algeria to get a result and qualify for the second round of the competition,” Obaseki said.
“All you need from us at this time is more encouragement. We have a long journey ahead of us; more work to be done.
“So, we need to start preparations for the second round now. As for the supporters club, let me say thank you. You have always been there for Bendel Insurance. Your bus is ready.”
The Governor then assured that his administration will not relent in promoting football and sports development generally.
Meanwhile, the Benin Airport came alive as fans and members of the Benin Arsenal supporters club came out in large numbers to receive the victorious team back home from Algeria.
The supporters club rolled out their drums, supported by a Benin cultural troupe, to celebrate Insurance’s victory over ASO Chlef in Algeria.
Insurance will be hosting RS Berkane of Morocco at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Saturday, September 16 in the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary game.
Victory for Insurance against Berkane over two legs will take the Nigerian Federation Cup holders to the group stage.
RS Berkane were CAF Confederation Cup winners in 2020 and 2022 while Bendel Insurance won the competition in 1994 (when it was known as the CAF Cup), same year they also won WAFU Cup.
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