In a surprise move, Monday Odigie has tendered his resignation as the head coach of Bendel Insurance, a rival to Rivers United in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL). This development was officially announced by the Benin-based club on their social media platforms yesterday.
Odigie’s decision to step down as head coach marks the end of his tenure at Bendel Insurance. The reasons behind his resignation are yet to be disclosed, but it is speculated that the team’s recent poor performance may have contributed to his departure.
“Matchday 13: We will be playing against Kwara Utd on Saturday without coach Monday Odigie,” the club said. “He tendered his resignation letter after our 3-2 loss to Rangers on Sunday evening.
“We await management’s final decision. Meanwhile, our Matchday 13 is behind closed doors.
“Consequently, no fans are allowed into the stadium. This is in adherence to the NPFL’s directives.”
Insurance, owned by the Edo State government, have struggled in the NPFL this season, stuck in bottom spot in the table with just nine points from 12 games. Read a Statement via the Benin based club’s social media.
Monday Odigie’s resignation as head coach of Bendel Insurance marks the end of a remarkable three-year tenure. During his time at the helm of the Benin Arsenal, Odigie achieved unprecedented success, leading the team to a record-breaking 21-game unbeaten run in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in 2023.
The highlight of Odigie’s tenure was undoubtedly the team’s triumph in the Confederation Cup in 2023. This victory marked a historic milestone for Bendel Insurance, as it was their first title in 43 years. Odigie’s leadership and tactical acumen played a significant role in the team’s success, and his legacy will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
Monday Odigie’s surprise resignation as head coach of Bendel Insurance is widely believed to be a direct result of the team’s dismal performance in recent games. Under Odigie’s guidance, the Benin Arsenal managed to secure only three wins out of 12 matches, with three draws and six defeats.
The team’s struggles were further exacerbated by a three-point deduction imposed by the league authorities due to crowd trouble during their match-day 11 encounter against Kano Pillars. This punishment had a devastating impact on the team’s standings, plummeting them to the bottom of the league table with a mere nine points.
Odigie’s departure may be seen as a consequence of the mounting pressure to turn the team’s fortunes around. Despite his past successes with the team, including the historic Confederation Cup win, Odigie’s inability to arrest the team’s slide has ultimately led to his exit.
Monday Odigie’s resignation as head coach of Bendel Insurance marks the second time he has stepped down from the role. Previously, he quit in 2019 after successfully guiding the team back to the topflight, only to be reappointed in 2021.
As the team embarks on a new era, they face a daunting schedule, starting with a challenging away match against Nasarawa United in Lafia. Upon their return, they will continue to serve their behind-closed-door ban, hosting Plateau United in an empty stadium.
According to sources within the team, TPCN can confirm that Odigie formally submitted his resignation letter to the club secretary, Mr. Charles Ihikmekpen. The team’s current predicament is dire, sitting at the bottom of the table with a mere 12 points from 12 matches. The search for Odigie’s replacement is expected to commence immediately, as the team seeks to salvage their season and avoid relegation.
