By Nelson Dafe, Benin City on May 7, 2019

Following last weekend’s home draw against visiting Niger Tornadoes of Minna, Bendel Insurance Manager Monday Odigie was heavily rumoured to have thrown in the towel.

The coach, who led Insurance to the Nigerian Professional Football league (NPFL) some months ago after about a decade of the club languishing in the second tier of the Nigerian league, has been under intense pressure from fans as the club have struggled badly at home in the NPFL this season, recording only two narrow home wins and fears of the team being relegated have sent their worried fans into overdrive.

Security men at the University of Benin (Uniben) Sports Complex had to whisk Odigie away when he was confronted by some irate fans following Insurance 0-0 draw with Tornadoes last Saturday.

After the game, the exasperated coach reportedly squared up for a fight with some of the fans who had rushed the rain abuses on him. He was said to have taken off his canvas and was restrained from striking a fan with it.

At a closed-door meeting after the game, it is reported that Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, who was on the substitutes bench against Tornadoes having registered as a player this season, expressed his displeasure with the performances of the club in their home games.

Odigie was rumoured to have resigned after the meeting and there were reports that the coach didn’t turn up for work at the club’s training ground on Monday.

However, Bendel Insurance have now publicly stated that Odigie remains in full charge of the team, dismissing reports that he had quit.

A statement by the club’s media officer Kehinde Osagiede reads in part: “Management hereby appeals to players and supporters and the general public to disregard all forms of media reports that Monday Odigie has resigned.

“This is mere distraction aimed at destabilising us from our set goal. But let me say it here that no amount of propaganda or rumour that can stop us from our mission.

“The confidence the management of the club has in his ability to guide the club to higher heights is not in doubt. As a matter of fact, Odigie has neither verbally nor officially tendered any letter of resignation for whatever reason and management believes so much in his ability to continue to handle the boys.”

In truth, however, Insurance have not only failed to often win at home this season, they have also come under intense criticisms for their usually stodgy performances at home, and it is that high ball and kick and rush football that has ultimately angered the fans.

But Insurance performances on the road have been decent as the team are hard to beat, pulling off a number of impressive away draws, including at Enyimba. But their poor home form has offset whatever good they have done away.

Insurance next game in the NPFL is an away fixture against Lobi Stars of Makurdi.

•Photo shows Monday Odigie

Source Daily Sports

Posted May 7, 2019

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