The Head Coach of Bendel Insurance, Monday Odigie, shared poignant reflections on Sunday following his team’s 2-2 draw at home against RS Berkane, the defending champions, in the second round of the 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup preliminary stage in Benin.

In a heartfelt post-match interview, Odigie conveyed a powerful message, emphasizing that football’s true essence lies in participation and not solely in winning.

“Can you just take joy that your team is playing on the continent and defending the pride of the nation? Appreciate football, appreciate performance. It is not all about the result but performance,” Odigie passionately stated.

“We want to remain in the tournament, but if the result is not favorable, then we go home and prepare for next time,” he added, underscoring the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.

Coach Odigie also made a plea to the media to play their part in educating the public about the essence of football. He stressed that it’s about appreciating the effort put in by your team, especially when they manage to secure a draw against the defending champions on home soil.

Despite the valiant efforts of Bendel Insurance, Imade Osarenkhoe’s 28th-minute goal and a 60th-minute strike by Vincent Augustus were not enough to secure a victory at home. Nevertheless, their spirited performance did not go unnoticed.

The Benin Arsenal’s next challenge awaits as they prepare to face RS Berkane in the return leg on September 29th in Morocco. For Bendel Insurance and their devoted fans, it’s not just about the outcome; it’s about the journey and the pride of representing their nation on the continental stage.