NPFL: Bendel Insurance cheers Tanimu on Super Eagles debut

Nigeria Premier Football League side Bendel Insurance have congratulated their former player Benjamin Tanimu on his Super Eagles debut on Friday.

Tanimu was handed a starting role by interim coach Finidi George in an empty Grand de Stade Marrakech in Morocco on Friday, where Nigeria defeated Ghana 2-1.

The 21-year-old gave a good account of himself against the Black Stars, contributing to the Super Eagles’ solid defence alongside Semi Ajayi and Chidozie Awaziem, till he was replaced by Ademola Lookman in the 79th minute.

“Congratulations to you dear Benji, we are honoured by your elevation and proud of you,” the Vipers reacted to the defender’s breakthrough on their official X (formerly Twitter) account.

“Thanks to Almighty God. We thank the NFF, and Super Eagles coaches for the confidence they [put] in you. This is just the beginning of your progress. Soar Tanimu, soar Super Eagles. Adaaa… Bendel.”

Tanimu completed a move to Tanzanian side Ihefu Sports Club on February 12, 2024, having amassed 19 league appearances for Insurance in the first half of the 2023/24 season.

Following the lasting impression he left on coach George, the defender is expected to get his second appearance on Tuesday when the Super Eagles take on Les Aigles in another friendly.

“Great. He is a player that I wanted while he was still at Bendel Insurance but it didn’t work out,” George admitted post-match.

Explaining the decision to call him up, the 52-year-old continued, “With all the injuries that we had, we had to look for a player that can substitute and it came to my mind to invite him and he’s doing so well in his club in Tanzania, so why not.

“Not bad. Being his first time, it’s not easy wearing those national colours but overall I would give him credit.”