Bendel Insurance await clearance for Obasogie after opening-day paperwork delay

Bendel Insurance assistant coach Jolomi Atune says Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie missed the club’s Euromatch NPFL opener against Warri Wolves because his transfer paperwork had not been completed.

Obasogie was unavailable for the match on Sunday, 30 August, despite returning to Bendel Insurance ahead of the 2026/2027 Euromatch NPFL season. His absence came after the 26-year-old secured a move back to the club following a spell with Tanzanian side Singida Black Stars.

The goalkeeper had previously been part of the Super Eagles squad that won a bronze medal at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

Warri Wolves took advantage of an early goalkeeping mistake to move in front only four minutes after kick-off. The error gave Towo Eventus the chance to score against his former club, Bendel Insurance, and prompted questions over why Obasogie had not been selected to start for the Benin Arsenal.

Atune, who deputised for head coach Kennedy Boboye at the post-match press conference, said the delay was administrative rather than tactical.

“He is still around with us. You know, he’s coming from a club outside of the country. So, time is needed to complete his paperwork and transfer formalities,” Atune explained.

Bendel Insurance recovered from the early setback to claim three important points, although Atune acknowledged that the squad still needs time to develop its understanding.

The club have added new players during the build-up to the season, and the assistant coach said the process of bringing them into the team would not happen immediately.

“I am happy we got the important three points. The first game is usually difficult. Our team will get better as the league progresses. I know we will not disappoint our people.

“When Warri Wolves scored very early, I remained positive because I knew we were going to come back and beat them. I believe in the boys we have,” Atune said.

Obasogie’s return to Bendel Insurance followed his move to Singida Black Stars. The goalkeeper’s previous association with the Benin club made his absence from the opening fixture particularly notable, but Atune confirmed that he remains with the squad while the necessary transfer formalities are completed.

His eventual return will give Bendel Insurance another option in goal as they continue their Euromatch NPFL campaign. For now, the club must build on its opening victory while integrating its new arrivals and waiting for Obasogie’s paperwork to be finalised.