Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged sports loving Edo people to come out in their large number on Saturday, January 6,2024 to support Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin as they lock horns with Rangers International of Enugu in the Match Day 17 of the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL).
The Benin Arsenals who currently occupy 7th position on the league table with 24 points will play host to the Flying Antelopes who are 9th on the table with 22 points, on Saturday, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium., Kick of time is 4 pm.
In a statement, the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon Chris Osa Nehikhare, revealed that government has put all arrangements in place to aid the transportation and comfort of the fans and supporters on Saturday.
According to him “Government is providing free buses through the Edo City Transport Services (ECTS) at different pickup points to and from the match venue, to ensure Edo people come out en masse to cheer the home team to victory.
“Our sports-loving governor, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has approved the provision of free bus ride through the Edo City Transport Services (ECTS) to mobilize Edo people in their numbers to cheer the State’s football team, Bendel Insurance to victory during their NPFL clash against Rangers FC on Saturday, January 06, 2024, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
“The free buses will be available at various pickup points to ensure easy and accessible movement for fans and supporters of Bendel Insurance as well as other football enthusiasts to and from the match venue.
According to him, “The route for the free bus service includes Ugbowo axis, Airport Road, Sokponba Road, Ikpoba-Hill, Eyean-Aduwawa axis, King Square axis, Ogida Siluko Road, New Benin, Sapele Road and Ekenwan Road.”
He continues “While we are sure of victory after 90 minutes of exciting football actions ,we are encouraging Edo people to come out en-masse to cheer our darling team, Bendel Insurance to victory. We want the stadium to be filled so that we can give them the moral and intimidating support they require”,
Also speaking ahead of the week 17 clash at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium on Saturday,the Chief of Staff to Governor Obaseki, Dr Osaigbovo Iyoha who was with the Benin Arsenals during their evening training session at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium urged Insurance players to come all out against the visiting Rangers and ensure victory.
” The Governor is solidly behind you and has approved a package for you. I am coming to the stadium with the package. ” He assured.
“We are impressed with the progress you have made this season and we are confident you will be better. We are mobilizing support for you because the Governor has approved free ride for fans to and from the stadium. We urge you to make the state proud by beating Rangers on Saturday”, Iyoha said.