Unexpected Twists: Bendel Insurance and Doma United Defy Expectations in NPFL
In every Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season, certain teams are often predicted to secure continental positions and contend for the title, while others are seen as potential candidates for relegation. However, the recently concluded abridged 2022/23 season, leading up to the Super 6 playoffs beginning today, has brought about surprises that nobody anticipated during the prolonged wait for the season to commence.
These surprises came in the form of two newly promoted teams, Bendel Insurance of Benin and Doma United of Gombe, who defied all odds and made a remarkable impact in the league, achieving unprecedented feats both for themselves and their histories. Bendel Insurance, nicknamed the “Benin Arsenal,” remained unbeaten throughout the entire 18-game regular season, securing the top spot on the table from the beginning until the end. On the other hand, the resilient Doma United came tantalizingly close to clinching a spot in the Super 6 playoffs, only to have their chances dashed by a defeat to Abia Warriors on match-day 18.
Financial Stability: The Secret to Bendel Insurance’s Unbeaten Streak in NPFL
The success of government-owned clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) often hinges on the financial strength of the respective state governments. This financial stability played a crucial role in Bendel Insurance’s remarkable unbeaten run during the regular season.
As a club competing in the National League (NNL), Bendel Insurance had already established a standard by securing a partnership with a prominent new generation bank and implementing a wage structure that aligned with NPFL clubs. With these measures in place, it came as no surprise when they secured promotion to the NPFL, also clinching the second-tier title in the previous season.
Having previously featured in the abridged league in 2019, where they were subsequently relegated to the NNL, Bendel Insurance found themselves in a challenging Group A this time around. The group included formidable opponents such as Enyimba, Akwa United, Remo Stars, the pre-season tournament champions 3SC, Plateau United, and even Kwara United, setting the stage for a tough competition.
Unstoppable Surprise: Bendel Insurance’s Unprecedented NPFL Journey
In a stunning turn of events, Bendel Insurance kicked off their NPFL campaign with a remarkable 2-0 victory over Akwa United in Uyo, leaving spectators in awe. This surprising result was just the beginning of their extraordinary run in the league.
Against all expectations, the Benin Arsenal concluded the regular season as the only unbeaten team, accomplishing an unprecedented feat in NPFL history. From the very first match-day until the end, they held onto the top position in their group, finishing with 34 points from 8 wins and 10 draws. Notably, they boasted the league’s best defensive record, conceding a mere 11 goals throughout the campaign. Goalkeeper and vice-captain, Amas Obasogie, played a pivotal role in their success, keeping 8 clean sheets, matching the highest number in the league.
Reflecting on their achievement, Obasogie praised the collective effort of the team, emphasizing the crucial support from their exceptional coach, dedicated backroom staff, and supportive management. He attributed their strong start and continuous belief to the momentum gained from their first game.
In addition to Obasogie’s outstanding performances, striker Osarenkhoe Imade emerged as one of the standout players of the season, ranking third on the scorers chart with 8 goals. With the upcoming Super 6 playoffs, there’s potential for him to further contribute to the team’s success.
The technical crew, led by Monday Odigie, played a vital role in maintaining the team’s intensity throughout the season. Their strategic approach was characterized by astutely choosing their moments in each game, a factor that was evident in every match observed by our correspondent.
Staying Grounded and Building on Strong Foundations: Bendel Insurance’s Journey
Despite their strong position in the Super 6 race, Bendel Insurance remained focused and took each game as it came, as emphasized by their coach, Monday Odigie. This level-headed approach kept the team grounded and prevented complacency from creeping in.
The foundation for their success can be attributed to the exceptional management of the club. The management provided unwavering support and created a conducive environment for the players. The coaching staff played a vital role by implementing effective tactical formations, instilling discipline within the team, and fostering a sense of unity and belonging. This cohesive and supportive atmosphere became a driving force for the players, as highlighted by defender Benjamin Tanimu.
Right from the beginning, Bendel Insurance had the necessary resources at their disposal. The club frequently traveled for away matches by air, a luxury that most clubs struggle to afford or sustain. This investment in comfortable travel arrangements not only ensured the well-being of the players but also contributed to their performance on the pitch.
The Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, played a pivotal role in setting high targets for the team, particularly aiming for a continental ticket. Shaibu not only motivated the players but also ensured that all necessary provisions, such as salaries, bonuses, and kits, were provided. This level of support and motivation created a conducive environment for the players to thrive.
Despite securing their spot in the Super 6 with two games to spare, Bendel Insurance maintained their ambition and drive. They did not ease off or become complacent. Instead, they remained focused on their goal of claiming a continental ticket and the league title. Their determination and hunger for success continue as they face formidable opponents such as Rivers United, Enyimba, Remo Stars, Lobi Stars, and Sunshine Stars in Lagos. As they enter this crucial phase, Bendel Insurance aims to replicate the legendary “Invincibles” feat of English club Arsenal during the 2003/04 season.
Doma United: Pioneering the Way
In a league where the majority of clubs are owned by state governments, the Nigerian topflight football scene is often perceived as unfavorable for private clubs to thrive. This perception makes the achievements of Doma United even more remarkable, especially considering they are experiencing top-tier Nigerian football for the first time.
Originally established as AS Monaco in 1994, named after the famous French club, Doma United actively participated in the Gombe State league and local competitions for several years before rebranding as Doma in 2007. After spending many seasons in the third tier, they finally earned a spot in the Nigeria National League in 2022. Remarkably, in their maiden appearance in the second division, they secured promotion to the NPFL, despite being relatively unknown and having a roster of little-known players.
Prior to the start of the season, rumors circulated that the northeastern club was in talks to sell their NPFL slot to either Kano Pillars or Katsina United, both of whom were relegated in the previous season. These rumors suggested that Doma United might not have been adequately prepared for life in the topflight.
“The week we gained promotion from the NNL, rumors started spreading that we were negotiating with Pillars to sell our slot to them,” shared Sulaiman Umar, the club’s chairman. “In fact, many of our fans believed it, so I had to address them and debunk the rumor. Additionally, before the season began, when we were preparing for the NNL Super 4, we purchased a new bus. Another rumor emerged claiming that the advance payment from Katsina United for our slot was used to buy the bus.”
However, none of these rumors materialized, as both Pillars and Katsina United embraced life in the lower division while Doma United prepared themselves for the challenges of competing in the NPFL. Notably, Doma United became the second team from Gombe to join the NPFL in the same season, showcasing the footballing prowess of the region.
sfied and Looking Forward: Doma United’s Promising Future
Despite narrowly missing out on qualifying for the Super 6, Doma United, as a modest club, found contentment in retaining their NPFL status and silencing their critics.
“We may have missed out on the Super 6, but overall, it was a success because no one believed we could finish strong. We didn’t feel pressured; we simply took each game as it came, and it worked in our favor,” expressed goalkeeper Kingdom Osayi.
“We defied the odds and proved many people wrong. I thrive on challenges, and I eagerly anticipate more in the upcoming season,” added club chairman Umar.
With their outstanding debut season, Umar looks forward to engaging with potential partners and believes that their achievements will open doors to more opportunities and stability for the club. Doma United’s future appears promising as they strive to build on their impressive foundation.
