…offers free bus shuttle, free tickets to fans, supporters
By Hillary Asemota
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has put all modalities in place to mobilise support for Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin against their opponent in the continental face-off, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RSB) of Morocco at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Saturday, September 16, by 4pm.
The government is providing free buses through the Edo City Transport Services (ECTS) at 14 different pick-up points to and from the match venue. Entry to the stadium is free to encourage fans to fill up the 12,000-capacity stadium.
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Edo State Governor, Mr. Andrew Okungbowa, said the governor expresses appreciation to football lovers for their massive support for Bendel Insurance Football Club against their last opponents, Aso Chlef FC of Algeria.
According to him: “We are equally calling on Edo people to come out en masse and support their darling team against their Moroccan counterpart. Edo State through Bendel Insurance is at the verge of making history.
“For over three decades ago, we didn’t compete at this level on the continent. Now we have the opportunity to prove ourselves. We were victorious in the first preliminary round. We are at the second stage. We need your support to go far. We are appealing to everyone to be at the stadium to massively support the team.
“The governor has done everything possible to encourage the team. The team is not lacking as all that is needed has been provided. We have also put everything in place to mobilise our people as it will be another history making event.
Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Yusuf Ali, said 15,000 tickets have been produced for the game and the ticket is free so we can fill the 12,000 capacity Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to cheer Bendel Insurance Football Club to victory.
“We would still maintain the 30 buses shuttle and 14 pick-up points where the buses will carry fans to and from the stadium at the end of the game. We have already organised a road show to let the people know about the match. This is a 12,000-capacity stadium but we have printed 15, 000 tickets and the tickets are ready and it’s free for everyone as the gates will be wide open to receive as many fans as possible.
The MD/CEO, ECTS, Mrs. Hauwa Dupe Ohikhuai, said: “The route for the free bus service include Ugbowo axis, Airport Road, Sokponba Road, Ikpoba-Hill, Eyean-Aduwawa axis, King Square axis, Ogida Siluko Road, New Benin, Sapele Road and Ekenwan Road.”