Bendel Insurance FC have approved a three-week end-of-season break for players, coaches, and backroom staff following the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign.
The break takes effect from June 10, 2026, with players and officials expected to resume duties on July 4, while pre-season training is scheduled to commence the following day.
Addressing the team during a meeting at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the club’s General Manager, Charles Ohimekpen, conveyed management’s goodwill message and urged players to remain disciplined and uphold the values of professionalism during the holiday period.
Ohimekpen acknowledged the disappointment of Bendel Insurance’s dramatic exit from the President Federation Cup following their defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors on June 6 but expressed appreciation for the team’s efforts throughout the season.
“Despite the heartbreaking and embarrassing result against El-Kanemi Warriors, management remains grateful to God and appreciates the sacrifices and commitment of the players in helping the club finish fifth on the Nigeria Premier Football League table,” he said.
“We may not have achieved all our objectives for the season, but when we look at where we are coming from, there is every reason to thank God and appreciate your efforts.”
The General Manager, however, did not hide management’s disappointment over the manner of the Federation Cup defeat after surrendering a 3-0 first-half lead before eventually losing on penalties.
“Management is not happy with the way we allowed a 3-0 lead to slip away. We hope everyone has learnt valuable lessons from the experience so that such a disaster will not happen again next season,” he added.
Ohimekpen wished the players and coaching crew a restful holiday and encouraged them to stay healthy while spending time with their families.
Also speaking at the meeting, Technical Manager Kennedy Boboye expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance against El-Kanemi Warriors and challenged players expected to remain at the club for the 2026/27 season to return with renewed determination.
“It is a show of shame and something very painful that will remain with us for a long time. It is a result that is difficult for a club like ours to accept,” Boboye said.
The former league-winning coach urged the players to work harder and show greater commitment in the coming season as they seek to erase the painful memories of the Federation Cup Round of 16 exit.
Responding on behalf of the players, team captain Kayode Solomon Oke apologized to the club’s management and supporters for the disappointing result against El-Kanemi Warriors.
He assured fans that the players would use the setback as motivation and strive to make amends in the 2026/27 season.
The club’s management concluded by wishing all players and officials safe travels and a productive end-of-season break.
