Bendel Insurance Suspend Coach Ikhenoba After Poor NPFL Start

Bendel Insurance have suspended their head coach, Greg Ikhenoba, following a disappointing start to the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

The decision, which takes immediate effect, was confirmed in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, on Monday.

Ikhenoba’s suspension comes just two days after the Benin Arsenals fell 1-0 at home to Nasarawa United in a matchday seven encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. That defeat, their fourth of the campaign, left Insurance languishing in 15th place with just six points from seven matches.

Assistant coach Baldwin Bazuaye has been asked to take over the team in the interim while the club management reviews the situation.

“Coach Greg Ikhenoba has been suspended with immediate effect following the team’s poor start to the 2025/26 NPFL season,” the statement read. “The assistant coach, Baldwin Bazuaye, will take charge of the team until further notice.”

Ikhenoba, a former Insurance player himself, guided the club to an impressive run last season, where they finished in the top half of the table and made notable progress in the Federation Cup.

But this term, results have been far from convincing, with the team struggling to find rhythm and goals despite boasting one of the most experienced squads in the league.

Saturday’s loss to Nasarawa United, in front of their home supporters, appeared to be the final straw. The mood inside the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was tense at full-time, as fans expressed frustration at the team’s lacklustre performance.