In a surprising turn of events, Monday Odigie has resigned as the head coach of Bendel Insurance, citing the team’s underwhelming performance this season. Currently languishing in 20th place on the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) table with just 9 points from 12 matches, the team has struggled to replicate past successes under Odigie’s leadership.
Odigie’s Legacy at Bendel Insurance
Despite the recent challenges, Coach Odigie’s tenure has been nothing short of remarkable. Here’s a look at his major contributions:
Promotion to the NPFL: Odigie masterminded the team’s return to the NPFL in 2022, ending a long absence.
Record-Breaking Unbeaten Run: Under his guidance, Bendel Insurance set an NPFL record with a 21-match unbeaten streak.
Impressive Debut Season: In his first NPFL season, the team topped their group, surpassing heavyweights like Enyimba FC and Remo Stars, and secured a commendable 5th-place finish overall.
Historic FA Cup Victory: Odigie led the club to their first FA Cup title in 29 years, a momentous achievement for the team and its fans.
CAF Confederation Cup Success: He steered Bendel Insurance to the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, showcasing the team’s potential on the continental stage.
Challenges Behind the Struggles
While Odigie’s achievements are undeniable, recent challenges have stifled his progress. The lack of quality reinforcements and the board’s decision to sell key players without suitable replacements have severely weakened the squad. These factors ultimately led to the team’s poor form this season and contributed to Odigie’s decision to step down.
As the NPFL season continues, Bendel Insurance faces a daunting task to turn things around without the coach who has been at the heart of their resurgence.
