Bendel Insurance FC Slide Worsens as Relegation Fears Grow Among Supporters
By Reporter
Bendel Insurance’s poor run of form in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has deepened concerns among fans and analysts, with many warning that the former continental giants may be slipping dangerously close to a relegation battle.
The Benin Arsenal, once regarded as one of the league’s most disciplined and defensively solid sides, have struggled to replicate the resilience that defined their return to the topflight, few years ago.
A string of uninspiring results—particularly away from home—has left the club hovering uncomfortably near the lower end of the table, in 19th position as the season enters a decisive stage.
In recent weeks, Insurance have dropped valuable points at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, a venue that was previously considered a fortress. Their struggles in attack, coupled with lapses in concentration at the back, have contributed to their deteriorating league position.
Supporters have expressed growing frustration with the team’s performances. Many say the club has lost its trademark organisation and tactical discipline.
“This is not the Bendel Insurance we know. Something is wrong somewhere,” one long-time fan lamented after their latest home draw.
Football analysts also warn that the trend is not merely a temporary slump but a clear indicator of deeper issues within the squad and management. The team’s inability to score goals consistently has placed heavy pressure on a defence that now appears overstretched and error-prone.
With several tough fixtures still ahead, observers fear that the club could be dragged further into the relegation zone unless urgent measures are taken.
Sources close to the technical crew hint at possible internal challenges, including fitness concerns and low morale among key players. While the management has not issued a formal statement on the club’s recent form, calls are mounting for a thorough investigation, including review of tactics, player motivation, and leadership within the team.
Bendel Insurance’s current predicament stands in stark contrast to the optimism that surrounded the team at the start of the season, especially after last year’s impressive performances in both the league and the Federation Cup.
But the club’s inability to build on that momentum has left supporters worried, that history could repeat itself, recalling previous seasons when poor management cost Insurance valuable positions.
As the NPFL season winds down, all eyes are now on the Benin side to see whether they can turn things around. With the margins tightening at the bottom of the table, every point will be crucial in determining their fate.
For now, the mood in Benin City is one of anxiety, with fans calling for the sack of management team and repositioning it with persons that can infuse the needed ‘can do’ spirit. Fans have also expressed fears that this season could become one of the club’s toughest survival battles in recent years.
