The Deputy Governor of Edo State Philip Shaibu has backed newly promoted NPFL side Bendel Insurance to win this year’s Aiteo Cup.
Shaibu stated this in Abuja after Insurance’s 2-0 win over Junior Katsina United in their Aiteo Cup round of 64 clash at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja.
Goals by Imade Oserenkhoe and Deputy Echeta fired the Benin Arsenal to the Round of 32.
“Our goal is to win the Aiteo Cup. We got to the quarter-finals last time with only two matches left to win the cup,” Shaibu said.
“So, this year we want to double up our efforts and ensure we play in the final and by the grace of God we will take it from there.
“Anything short of the final is not our target,” he added.
Shaibu commended Insurance’s fans for their patience and support for the team and urged them to continue to buy the club’s jerseys.
“You can see that with the funds derived from the sale of jerseys alone, we have been able to buy new coaster buses for Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance.
“Also, both teams now fly to the venue of their matches. So, our next target is to buy bigger buses to ensure that the team is more comfortable as they travel for their matches.
“You could see how relaxed they were coming to Abuja as they didn’t have to go through the hustle and bustle of the Benin-Auchi and Okene-Auchi roads.
“The team flew into Abuja for the game and will be flying back after the match in comfort. This is what we want to achieve because this game is a difficult game. I played it and I know how stressful it can be.
“The players need a lot of rest and don’t need that kind of stress to come and play a very difficult 90 minutes game.”
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