- Offers free bus shuttle, free tickets to fans, supporters
Edo State Governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki has taken comprehensive measures to garner support for the Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin as they prepare to face Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RSB) of Morocco in a continental showdown at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Saturday, September 16, at 4 pm.
In a remarkable gesture, the government is facilitating free transportation through the Edo City Transport Services (ECTS) from 14 different pickup points to and from the match venue. Furthermore, admission to the stadium has been made free of charge to encourage fans to pack the 12,000-seat arena.
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Andrew Okungbowa, conveyed the governor’s gratitude to football enthusiasts for their tremendous support of the Bendel Insurance Football Club during their previous encounter against Aso Chlef FC of Algeria. He emphasized the importance of Edo people rallying behind their beloved team as they strive to make history on the continental stage.
He stated, “For over three decades, we haven’t competed at this level in continental football. Now, we have the opportunity to prove ourselves. We emerged victorious in the first preliminary round, and we are now in the second stage. To progress further, we need your unwavering support. We appeal to everyone to be present at the stadium in massive numbers.”
Mr. Yusuf Ali, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, disclosed that 15,000 tickets have been printed for the game, all of which are available free of charge. The aim is to fill the 12,000-seat Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium with passionate fans cheering on Bendel Insurance Football Club to victory.
“We will continue to provide 30 shuttle buses with 14 pickup points for fans’ convenience, ensuring that they have transportation to and from the stadium after the game,” Mr. Ali added. “We have also organized a roadshow to raise awareness about the match. Although the stadium has a capacity of 12,000, we have printed 15,000 tickets, and all are free, with open gates to accommodate as many fans as possible.”
Mrs. Hauwa Dupe Ohikhuai, the Managing Director and CEO of ECTS, detailed the route for the complimentary bus service, including key areas such as the Ugbowo axis, Airport Road, Sokponba Road, Ikpoba-Hill, Eyean-Aduwawa axis, King Square axis, Ogida Siluko Road, New Benin, Sapele Road, and Ekenwan Road.
