Baldwin Bazuaye, former U‑23 Eagles winger, has officially begun his duties as interim technical adviser of Bendel Insurance. The appointment comes after the Edo State Sports Commission, chaired by Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, suspended Coach Greg Ikhenoba with immediate effect due to a string of disappointing performances.
Bazuaye led his first training session on Tuesday following his directive on Monday. He urged the squad to shake off complacency, stressing: “I am in the saddle here for a temporary time and to help manage the situation pending when the issues that led to the suspension of your head coach are resolved. I have been given the responsibility to lead this team temporarily, please, I need the cooperation of everybody. We must do everything to start getting results and get out of the present situation. As for our players, discipline must be your watchword. You must prove your Coach right and justified for bringing you here. We must wake up and everybody should know his responsibilities.”
Bendel Insurance have won just one of their seven outings this season in the Nigeria Premier Football League and are struggling in 16th place.
Their next fixture is against Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos this weekend.
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Editorial
We believe Bendel Insurance stands at a pivotal moment. The decision to suspend Greg Ikhenoba and elevate Baldwin Bazuaye reflects an urgent need for change. Poor results one win in seven matches are symptoms of deeper issues perhaps loss of morale, inadequate discipline or inconsistent leadership.
Bazuaye inherits a squad that has underperformed relative to expectations. The challenge is not simply tactical adjustments, but reviving belief. He must assert authority, instil discipline, and ensure every player understands their role. His insistence that “discipline must be your watchword” signals the seriousness required. It is essential the players respond not just with effort, but unity and purpose.
Accountability is crucial at this stage. The Sports Commission’s move to suspend Ikhenoba should not be an end in itself but part of a broader plan: reshaping team culture, examining fitness, mental strength, preparation and squad depth. Fans deserve transparency on what corrective measures will accompany this leadership change.
Support from management, staff and the wider club is equally essential. Bazuaye cannot succeed alone. Cooperation, open communication and shared resolve must become the norm. It is in the intertwining of leadership and team accountability that turnaround happens.
We see this change as the opening of a new chapter. If everyone embraces their responsibilities, Bendel Insurance can climb out of this slump and rediscover competitiveness. We must act with purpose now to secure better days ahead.
Did You Know?
- Bendel Insurance is one of Nigeria’s oldest football clubs, founded in 1972, originally known as Insurance of Benin.
- The club’s home ground is the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, which has a capacity of around 12,000 spectators.
- Baldwin Bazuaye previously played for the Nigerian U‑23 national team and featured in several domestic top‑flight sides.
- The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) operates on a promotion and relegation system with the Nigeria National League, meaning poor form can lead to relegation.
- Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, was renovated recently to host NPFL matches and is one of the stadiums used for top flight fixtures in Lagos.
