Bendel Insurance FC proudly clinched the Silver Cup at the Governor Diri Douye Preseason Football Tournament, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa, which concluded on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Our team delivered a commendable performance throughout the tournament, narrowly missing out on the Gold Cup in a thrilling final against the host team, Bayelsa United.
The final match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, leading to a gripping penalty shootout where Bayelsa United edged out Bendel Insurance FC 7-6 to secure the top prize.
Coach Monday Odigie praised the tournament’s organization, teams, and officiating, highlighting that the event was instrumental for teams gearing up for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. He emphasized that the quality of the tournament provided valuable insights into his team’s readiness for the upcoming season.
“Looking at the seven Premier League clubs involved, the professionalism and competitive spirit displayed were remarkable. All matches were well-managed, and the level of competition was top-notch. We truly appreciate the organizers for their excellent work,” Coach Odigie stated.
Despite the final outcome, Coach Odigie expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress in the rebuilding phase. The tournament served its purpose by offering an opportunity to test and evaluate the new players’ capabilities.
On their journey to the finals, Bendel Insurance FC secured a 1-0 victory over Krusaders Feeders in their opening match, followed by a 1-1 draw with Rivers United and a goalless draw with Kwara United in the group stage.
We look forward to building on these performances as we prepare for the 2024/2025 NPFL season.
