Contract Breach: Bendel Insurance FC Formally Declares Goalkeeper Joshua Baba AWOL

Management at Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) outfit Bendel Insurance Football Club has officially declared goalkeeper Joshua Baba Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL). The decisive action follows the player’s total failure to report back to duty upon the completion of an authorized medical recovery leave granted by the club. Baba was last involved in team activities shortly after the start of the 2026/27 NPFL season on August 30, 2026. During the club’s fixture against Warri Wolves in Benin City, the shot-stopper sustained a physical knock, prompting medical personnel to recommend a temporary layoff to facilitate recovery. Following medical evaluation, club officials granted the goalkeeper a two-week recovery leave. Baba subsequently traveled home to Plateau State to spend time with family while completing his recuperation process. He was formally scheduled to return to the team’s training facilities in Benin City by mid-September 2026 to resume full duty. Despite the official expiration of his authorized leave period, Baba has refused to return to camp or communicate his whereabouts to management. The club verified that the player failed to seek or receive any official administrative extension regarding his absence. The club’s management, alongside the Head Coach and Team Manager, confirmed that exhaustive attempts were made to establish direct communication with the player. However, all private outreach efforts have yielded no positive response, leaving the club leadership with no alternative option but to enforce internal regulatory sanctions. Bendel Insurance FC clarified that Joshua Baba remains bound to the club under a legally valid employment contract running until the end of 2027. Consequently, his continued refusal to perform contractual duties constitutes a severe breach of professional rules governing professional football in Nigeria. Expressing deep disappointment over the incident, club leadership labeled the goalkeeper’s actions unacceptable and contrary to the core values of discipline, professionalism, and accountability expected of all players representing the Benin-based side. Management reaffirmed that strict disciplinary and administrative proceedings will be launched immediately. To protect its legal interests, Bendel Insurance FC has formally submitted an official report regarding the matter to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The club requested that both governing bodies document Baba’s unauthorized absence to prevent potential regulatory conflicts or illegal transfers. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Tactical Breakdown: Crisis Deepens at 3SC as Toothless Draw Against Kano Pillars Exposes Systemic Flaws

Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan extended their worrying early season slump following a lifeless 0-0 draw against Kano Pillars in their rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League match at the Lekan Salami Stadium. The encounter exposed critical structural deficiencies within the squad, leaving home supporters increasingly frustrated with the team’s ongoing trajectory. Throughout ninety minutes, the Oluyole Warriors struggled to assemble coherent attacking sequences or penetrate the opposition defense. The performance underlined an alarming lack of creativity in midfield and an absence of tactical discipline, as players appeared disconnected and unsure of their operational roles on the pitch. The current setup stands in stark contrast to the fluid, high intensity football that defined the club’s campaign last season under previous leadership. While 3SC exhibited clear transitional patterns and structural cohesion during their prior league run, the team now lacks a distinct tactical identity or recognizable style of play. The stalemate against Kano Pillars marks a continuation of poor recent results for the Ibadan based outfit. Over their last three league outings, 3SC suffered a heavy 4-2 defeat away to Enyimba before recording consecutive goalless draws against Nasarawa United and Kano Pillars. This continuous slip in form leaves Shooting Stars languishing in 13th position on the NPFL table, having accumulated just eight points from seven matches played this season. The technical crew has managed only two victories since the start of the campaign, raising serious concerns regarding their ability to mount a sustained title challenge. Mounting pressure from the stands reached a boiling point at full time, as disgruntled fans expressed vocal discontent with the coaching staff. Supporter groups have openly called for the immediate departure of technical adviser Salisu Yusuf, pointing to the poor tactical setup and sluggish start to the current football season. Club faithful argue that prompt managerial intervention is required before the team slides further down the league standings. Fan delegates emphasized that the squad possesses sufficient individual talent, but lacks the tactical guidance necessary to unlock its potential and secure vital points. The 3SC management faces mounting scrutiny as they evaluate the technical bench’s performance ahead of upcoming fixtures. With fan patience rapidly wearing thin at the Lekan Salami Stadium, the club leadership must take decisive steps to restore tactical discipline and salvage their campaign before the top four spot drifts out of reach. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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NPFL MATCHDAY 7: BENDEL INSURANCE CRUSH UNBEATEN BARAU FC IN IMPRESSIVE 4-1 BENIN ROUT

Bendel Insurance FC produced an outstanding home display at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, thrashing visiting Barau FC 4-1 during their Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 7 fixture. The victory handed the northern side their first defeat of the 2026/27 campaign after six matches without a loss. Kayode Oke spearheaded the attack for the Benin Arsenal, opening the scoring in the 34th minute before completing his brace in the 70th minute to give the hosts a comfortable 2-0 lead. Barau FC responded in the 73rd minute when Aliu Sugau converted a penalty after a foul by Insurance captain Amas Obasogie. Bendel Insurance quickly snuffed out any hopes of a comeback, as Suraju Lawal restored the two goal cushion in the 85th minute. Deep into stoppage time, Jonathan James capped off the masterclass by scoring in the 94th minute to secure the maximum three points. The clinical performance elevated Bendel Insurance to fifth position on the NPFL table with 12 points, reigniting their momentum following earlier road setbacks. The impressive home triumph delivered the exact response management demanded heading into the high stakes Matchday 7 clash. Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, praised the team through his media aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko, commending the squad’s determination, tactical discipline, and fighting spirit. Enabulele charged the players to maintain their current focus and remain committed to finishing at the top of the NPFL standings. Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, addressed the players post match, applauding their team cohesion and seamless execution on the pitch. Idahosa assured the club of total backing from Governor Monday Okpebholo as the team pursues domestic silverware this season. The high profile encounter attracted key sports administrators and political leaders, including Bendel Insurance FC Chairman Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, former Edo State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Osamwonyi Evbaguehita Atu, and Commissioner for Oil and Gas Prof. Ignatius Ikponmwosa Omorodion. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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