Prophet Ezekiel is one prophet recognized in three different religions – Christianity, Islam and Judaism. In the holy books, it was recorded that Ezekiel was a man gifted with visions.
His visions were signs of reliefs, what to happen and a new life to people and countries. While Prophet Ezekiel is highly regarded religiously, in the present day Nigeria, one football club is hoping that the Ezekiel and others they are calling on will have as much vision as the prophets when it matters most.
Benin Arsenal: Bendel Insurance Transfer Activities
The club is the 2023 Federation Cup winners – Bendel Insurance. Insurance with the benefits of winning the domestic cup are playing on the continent this season and as a result, they are beefing up their squad to enable them have the best of times in all competitions for the season.
The Benin Arsenal as they fondly referred to have utilized the transfer window to add some new weapons to their arsenal. Ezekiel Tamara, Kelly Kester, Paul Obata and David Obiazo are the new additions so far.Â
But with a gruesome season awaiting with lots of expectations on the team, what are these new buys bringing to the armoury. Â
Ezekiel TamaraÂ
Tamara is becoming that player that will most likely play for every NPFL side before the end of his career. He has so far played for Lobi Stars, kano Pillars, Kwara united, Shooting Stars and now he will be a Benin Arsenal for the new season.
Just like the Prophet Ezekiel who was in control of things in every situation, Tamara has been the middle of things for the clubs he has played for. His versatility and vision is what Monday Odigie will be hoping he brings to the team.
Tamara walked straight into the starting eleven of 3SC when he joined them. His passing, ability to dictate a game, and vision are the qualities he exhibits that makes him special.
In a midfield that was one of the most compact last season, going unbeaten in the regular season and winning a domestic cup and a Super Eagles invited midfielder, Divine Nwachukwu, Tamara’s addition is definitely a good one.
Kelly Kester
Another midfielder who was with 3SC last season. Kester is back home, his state of origin so he is on a mission back home. The calm and composed midfielder has played for many NPFL sides. From FC Abuja, defunct Sharks FC, Nasarawa United, Enyimba, Akwa United, Lobi stars andKano pillars, Kester is just a journeyman like Tamara.
Having bagged enough experience, the midfielder will be a very big addition to the Insurance midfield. He will bring all of his calmness and composure to the Insurance team on days where they need to see off games.
Kester’s experience on the continent with Enyimba will also be something Insurance crave for at the moment as they play in the CAF Confederation Cup so they need a player like Kester in their not too experienced squad.
Kester will have the qualities of Divine Nwachukwu, fellow newcomer, Tamara Ezekiel, Sodje Stephens to play alongside in the middle of the park.Â
Paul Obata
Another experienced lad becoming a Benin Arsenal. He has played with several clubs in the NPFL namely – Akwa United, MFM, Warri wolves, El Kanemi Warriors and most recently Gombe United.
Despite being an attacker, Obata is not known for his goal scoring prowess as he has just scored a total of 4 goals in his NPFL career. However, his experience is unquantifiable. With a total of 50 appearances in the league, the Warri born has been to the length and breadth of the NPFL.
With reports of Deputy Echeta on his way out of Insurance, Obata can seize the opportunity to become a lethal attacker that leads the firepower of the Benin Arsenal.
With the likes of black bullet – Imade Osarenkhoe and Ismael Sarki who were the team’s highest goal scorers in all competitions last term, Obata will have strong competition for a starting shirt.
Bendel Insurance: David Obiazo
David Obiazo is another newly added player to the squad. The goalkeeper will majorly backup to the ever standing Amas Obasogie. Obasogie has been an ever present figure for the Benin Arsenal since they got promotion.
Hence, David will mainly be a backup for Amas. But David has got the experience needed whenever he is called up for atcion.
The Keffi born had been on the books of the like of Kano Pillars, Plateau united, Heartland and most recently featured for the just relegated El-kanemi Warriors.
If David will take that number 1 spot off Amas, then he will need to pull out everything he has learned over the years in training to get the nod.
For Monday Odigie, he is preparing well for a long season to come but can the newly acquired machines add that firepower needed to an already firing Benin Arsenal.