Coach Alabi Aisien, the veteran coach who piloted Bendel Insurance in the club’s glorious past had his life renewed as football faithful gathered at his house to celebrate his 90th birthday.

According to former Super Eagles’ player, Edema Fuludu, Alabi Aisien “had a glorious Thursday with his children and proteges like me.

“We went to give him a surprise birthday visit and celebration. The Bendel Insurance FC sent a giant birthday card and cake.

“Meanwhile we met his daughter and son with a lot of food and small chops enough to go round the visitors.”

Alabi with son and grandchildren

Aisien, in 1978 piloted a rejuvenated Bendel Insurance that rose from the ashes of its 1972 glory to surprise everyone. Against the odds, his Bendel Insurance eliminated the then IICC Shooting Stars in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup.

Bendel Insurance won 2-0 in a match that ended the playing career of Kunle Awesu who was a wizard at the left wing for IICC. As if to prove their newfound form, Alabi Aisien’s sides made a mince meat of Enugu Rangers in the final match, winning empathically by 3-0.

 According to Fuludu, “Aisien “shed tears of joy to see us and did a reminiscence of old times as a coach and educator.

“It was really nice to celebrate him at 90. He actually didn’t want his children to do anything elaborate because he had been down for some time now having gone through a hip surgery but recuperating very well.”

In what could be an indication of a sports boom under the next political dispensation in Edo State, an all-stars novelty football match is being organised to usher in the new governor of the state, Monday Okpeblolo and his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa.

It will hold on November 11.

The organisers of the event have announced a partnership of Spires MEDIA and A & K Construction Ltd as official sponsors of the match. 

Spires MEDIA is the official sponsor of the Match Jerseys while A&K are to take care of the match logistics.

Frank Ilaboya, the spokesman of the organisers, thanked the management of both organisations for teaming up “with us on this great and noble venture.”

Spires MEDIA are the organisers of 5-Aside Football Tournament while A& K Constructions are the leaders in the industry.

“Yes, partners and sponsors have started rolling in as we put finishing touches to the much-anticipated Novelty Match,” Mr Ilaboya explained.

“We re excited to announce that Spires MEDIA and A& K Construction Limited have teamed up with us as we expect more individuals and corporate concerns to key-in.”

The one-time Chairman of Edo State Football Association further explained that the idea behind the novelty match was to usher in the new administration of  Monday Okpeblolo in grand style and also to signal the revival of sports in the state.

The spokesperson of Spires Media, who are currently organising award-winning 5-Aside Football Tournament in Lagos State, Akin Odunsi, explained what informed their support.

“We are into grassroots sports development and talents discovery and this novelty match resonates with our vision hence we decided to key in.

“We are also excited about the calibre of the organisers like Frank Ilaboya, a household and one of the most respected names in the sports industry in Nigeria. With people like him spearheading this, we cannot but key in.

“The jerseys we are providing are customised and of the highest quality you can get anywhere in the world,”  Odunsi added.

For A &K Construction Limited, the novelty match offers a unique opportunity to “showcase our quality work to the general public,” according to Sam El Halaby, the Edo State Manager of the Company

“This Novelty Match offers us the unique opportunity to showcase our quality work as well as to announce that we are ready to support the new Government in any way we can.”

He added: “I understand that the new administration is eager to use sports as a tool to empower the teaming youths of Edo State and we are so much interested in this as well.”

The Managing Director of the Company, Elie Chidiac, picks the story from there.

“It has always been our interest to invest in any community we work and this has always stood us out.

“Edo State remains one of our big business and we are readily available to support any venture that will benefit the generality of the people.

“I also want to commend the organisers of the match for the wonderful initiative.”

The Novelty Match which comes on November 11 at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, will be between Akpakomiza X1 and a selection of ex-internationals.

Remo Stars are temporarily back at the top of the log in the Nigeria Premier League after beating their arch-rivals, Bendel Insurance 1-0 at Ikenne on Sunday.

The win gives the Ikenne side 18 points from eight matches as they await the result of Rivers United’s away duel with Niger Tornadoes on Monday for the confirmation of their match Day 8 position.

Ghanaian import, Dela Akorli’s brilliant strike in the 43^rd minute gave the Remo Stars another bragging right against their rival.

In the other matches played on Sunday, Bayelsa United defeated Heartland by a lone goal.

Rabiu Abdullahi’s 55^th-minute goal decided the match. With the loss, Heartland which benefited from Beyond Limits’ absence from the NPFL to be in the premier league are back again in the backwaters of relegation.

El Kanemi Warriors pipped former champions, Enyimba of Aba 1-0. The lone goal was scored by Usman Abbas at the end time of the first half.

But the result of the match still leaves the former African champions in the third position with 14 points.

Abia Warriors spanked visiting Plateau United 3-1. Although the visitors drew the first blood in the 40^th minute through Adamu Abubakar, two quick goals from Sunday Megwo and Adejoh in the added time of the first half gave the home side the lead and Paul Samson put the match beyond the visitors with their goal in the 61^st minute.

Ahmed Musa-led Kano Pillars could not replicate their big win against Enugu Rangers in the mid-week as they struggled to a 1-1 draw against visiting Kwara United of Ilorin.

The visitors opened the score in the 49^th minute through Ismail Gata but Zilkifilu secured parity in the 57^th minute of the match.

Sunshine Stars of Akure were one nil better than visiting Nasarawa United as Opeoluwa Olufemi scored the only goal of the match.

Actions resume on Monday as Ikorodu City will host Lobi Stars while Niger Tornadoes will be home against Rivers United and Shooting Stars will host Katsina United in Ibadan and Akwa United will play Enugu Rangers in Uyo.