Sports
Gov Obaseki Lifts Insurance Spirit With Cash Ahead CAF Cup tie
Gov Obaseki Lifts Insurance Spirit With Cash Ahead CAF Cup tie
…assures team of improved bonuses, delivery of Bus
By Elvis Omoregie
The Governor of Edo state Mr Godwin Obaseki has continued to inspire players and officials of Bendel Insurance FC ahead of their match against ASO Chlef FC of Algeria in the first preliminary fixture of 2023/24 CAF Confederations Cup as he paid the team a surprise visit during their evening training.session at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium on Thursday.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 PM at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium on Saturday.
The governor, who was accompanied by top government functionaries, including the speaker of the Edo state House of Assembly Blessing Agbebaku and other honourable members boosted the morale of the team with N5m cash prematch reward to further motivate the team ahead of the big clash.
In his pet talk, Governor Obaseki said: “You have all done so well to get to where you are now. So, today I decided to be with you and watch you train, and to encourage you. I want you to know that this is just the beginning. We have made arrangements to fly you to all the destinations where you have matches. We must go and win this tournament but for Saturday, just be in good spirits. You know what to do to win; rest properly and ensure you win for us.
“We, as a government, will do our bit for you. We love you and love how you are making us proud. So, continue to make us proud. We know how capable you are as a team and I will be here on Saturday to cheer you up.”
The Governor revealed that the traveling luxurious bus he earlier promised the team will be delivered to them after the Saturday game while also assuring the Benin Arsenals of improved bonuses and general welfare.
“You know we are not government that makes promises and failed. When we make pledges,we redeemed. So be rest assured that all that we have promised will be delivered to you.” He promised.
The sports loving Governor
expressed confidence that the team will come out victorious, saying that he is optimistic that with the support the team will get from the home crowd, victory is sure.
The Governor who on Wednesday directed the ECTS boss Mrs Hauwa Dupe Ohikhuare the sports Commission boss Olympian Yusuf Alli to collaborate to make shuttle buses available for fans from all parts of the state to get to the stadium expressed optimism that Insurance FC will carry the day.
“I am optimistic that with the support the home crowd will give them, they should win the match on Saturday. We want Edo people to come and enjoy what we have provided here in the State. They should come and have a good time here at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.”
He added, “It’s not all the time we sit in our houses to watch the Premier League, we should develop our own league. This is the beginning of getting our own people more interested in local sports and putting our money here.”
Responding, the head coach and Technical Director, Bendel Insurance FC Monday Odigie thanked the governor for his continuous support and encouragement to the team, adding, “We are doing the best we can for Saturday’s match and we are close to our best. We look forward to a positive game.”
The elated players, whle appreciating the governor and his entourage, assured the governor and Edo people of victory, with an exciting outing on Saturday against ASO Chlef.
Bendel Insurance FC are no strangers in CAF engagements as they plan to go into the game on Saturday with confidence having been champions of the CAF Confederations Cup in 1994.
The Benin Arsenals also won the WAFU Cup in 1993, 1994 and 1995 for keeps in their Golden generation with their former coach Roland Ewere. Other prominent stars in that team include Charles Ihimekpen aka Chiko, bAlhassan Mohammed, Lucky Omorogbe, Lucky Ikponmwen aka Owewe, Peter Obanor and former chief coach Baldwin Bazuaye. Others include Ufom Bassey, lvate Gabriel Adejor, Ben Kluvi among others.
The Queen Returns: Ogundele Rasheedat’s Golden Comeback Story
She conquered Port Harcourt in 2011. Dominated Lagos in 2012. Nearly reclaimed her throne in Delta in 2022. Now, Nigerian table tennis veteran, international umpire, ( Ogundele Rasheedat ) is back and she’s aiming for gold at the ongoing OGUN National Sports Festival Games 2025.
Representing Delta State, Rasheedat returns to the table with a bold mission: to reclaim her crown in the Women’s Singles category and complete her Sports Festival Games legacy with yet another gold medal.
“I’ve stood at the top before and I’m here for the gold again,” said Rasheedat confidently in an interview. “This is more than a competition. This is legacy, redemption, and proof that champions don’t fade, they evolve.”
Rasheedat is not your everyday athlete. She wears two hats like a boss, a decorated table tennis player and a certified international umpire. She’s been repping Nigeria not just as a competitor but also as an official on global stages. That’s rare.
Check out her record:
Gold Medal – Women’s Singles, Port Harcourt Festival Games (2011)
Gold Medal – Women’s Singles, Lagos Festival Games (2012)
Silver Medal – Women’s Singles, Delta Festival Games (2022)
This year in Abeokuta, she’s not just coming to participate, she’s writing the next chapter of her legacy. And fans are rooting for her all the way. She’s a living proof that you can be versatile, consistent, and elite. Her journey inspires not just players, but officials, fans, and the next generation.
So as the Festival Games heat up in Ogun 2025, all eyes are on the Queen of the Table. Watch out for her because she’s not done yet.
Follow her journey. Let’s show love, share her story, and support our own.
Follow her on socials:
Instagram: @its.rasheedah
TikTok: @its.rasheedah24
Hashtags:
#RasheedatReturns #GoldenComeback #OGUN2025Queen
Media Contact:
Feezyking Cr8 – PR Desk
Email: feezykingcr8@gmail.com
Phone: +234 703 853 1294
Ogun Set to Host Most Ambitious National Sports Festival Yet – NSC Chairman*
_as NSC Affirms State’s Readiness Ahead of Gateway Games 2024_
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially confirmed that Ogun State is fully prepared to host the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, following a comprehensive inspection tour of competition venues, logistics hubs, and athlete accommodations across the state.
Led by NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Commission’s delegation visited key facilities including the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Alake Sports Centre, Remo Stars Sports Complex, and Babcock University, which will serve as the athletes’ village for the Festival.
The Gateway Games 2024, scheduled to run from May 16 to 30, will bring together thousands of athletes and officials from across Nigeria, competing in more than 32 disciplines, making it one of the largest and most inclusive editions in the Festival’s history.
Speaking after the tour, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko expressed deep confidence in Ogun’s capacity to deliver a landmark event. According to him, “What I have seen here in Ogun is more than infrastructure. It is intent readiness, and ambition. Ogun is set to deliver a brilliant National Sports Festival that will raise the bar and define the standard for future games across Nigeria.”
Reaffirming the state’s commitment, Governor Dapo Abiodun assured the Commission and the Nigerian people of Ogun’s readiness to deliver a historic Games. “We consider it an honour and a responsibility to host this historic Festival. Every facility, every logistic, every detail has been prepared to showcase the best of Ogun and the promise of Nigeria. The Gateway Games will be a model of what’s possible when states align with national vision,” the Governor said.
As the lead agency for sports governance in Nigeria, the National Sports Commission continues to play a central role in coordinating nationwide sports development delivery, enforcing standards, and deepening synergy across all tiers of government. The success of the Gateway Games will serve as a blueprint for future sports development initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
Media Personality, J J Jabulani and siblings to celebrate mummy at 90
Media guru and highly respected on air personality, Jọlaoluwa Afọlabi famously known as J.J Jabulani is holding an elaborate 90th years birthday bash for his mummy, Mama Maria Ibipeju Afọlabi.
The birthday bash is holding on Friday, 25th April, 2025 at No 1 Ebute Road, Unity hall, opposite Indomie house, Lau junction, Ibafo, Ogun state. Many eminent personalities and media guys are expected to grace the epoch-making event.
Mama Ibipeju is a big business woman that trades on kolanut and gold in the 80s, she’s married to the popular pastor of the C&S church world wide Most Senior Apostle Samson Ọlayiwola Afọlabi of the revered Odofin compound in IREE town,Boripe local government of Osun state .
Mama is blessed with so many children among them is the ace broadcaster and media owner , Afolabi Jolaoluwa jabulani who is the last born of the nonagenarian.
Mama has great love and passion for gospel music spurred her interest in the usage of ‘SHEKERE’ in praising God till this moment and this singular act earned her the nick name (Iya Sekere)
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