The Edo state government unveiled new jerseys for Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens on Wednesday.
After Bendel Insurance played the League opener of the 2022/2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) against Akwa United at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, the state government unveiled new jerseys for the club.
The newly promoted side shocked their host Akwa United 2-0 to kick-start their return to the league in style on Sunday.
Five minutes after the half-hour mark, the hosts found themselves behind as former UNIBEN Royal striker Imade Osarenkhoe connected a through pass into Akwa United's box to give Insurance a 1-0 lead, making him the first goal scorer of the new season.
)
Just as Akwa tried to get themselves back into the game, Insurance struck again in the 43rd minute, this time, Ismael Seriki tucking the ball in from close range following a goalkeeping error by Akwa United’s Godgift Elkanah.
New kits unveiled
Following that brilliant win, Edo Government unveiled for Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens new sets of kits
The Edo state government unveiled new jerseys for Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens on Wednesday.
)
Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu unveiled the home, away, and third kit for the state-owned male and female clubs.
Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Sports, Sixtus Omokhagbon said the state will set up a merchandise shop to sell the jerseys.
“What we have done is to set up a merchandise shop at the stadium and on online shops, where you can order and get it delivered to you.
“At the moment, a lot of corporate organizations are coming to buy in numbers. So, we are setting up the place within the week so that before our next home match, people can come in and buy,” he said according to Punch
The kit will cost N20,000
Omokhagbon continued that the jersey will cost N20,000 each, adding that they have a fixed price for government officials to raise funds for the clubs.
He said, “The idea of merchandising is to be able to raise funds for the team. As the Deputy Governor said, the two coaster buses were bought from the sale of jerseys last season. The cost price of producing it from Switzerland is N13,000, so we sell for N20,000.
)
“And also, the Governor (Godwin Obaseki) bought his own, all the commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries, including me as an SSA. So, there is a fixed range of price for everyone in the government circle to be able to drive the funds for the team.”
Nigerians react to the cost
With the return of the club to Nigeria’s elite league, the fans are happy to watch their team compete in the NPFL again, especially after that impressive start to life in the NPFL in Uyo.
Consequently, some of the fans have expressed their desire to get the club's replica jerseys but have bemoaned the price set by the government.
Van the man posted on Twitter, "The high price says to me that the production process still needs optimizing. It'll be difficult to boost brand awareness with these sorts of prices. Still, cool. Where can I get one?"
)
For Idris Saleo, "League where are trying to attract followership, Bendel Insurance de sell jersey for 20k? 10k is too much for any Nigerian team's jersey. Massage their emotions, make dem love your league first. 100 gate tickets or free self. Give dem plenty entertainment on match days, freebies if u can."
Ebai Makinde added to the heat saying, "Quite on the high side, Bendel Insurance should have taken their real supporters into consideration, how many of them could cough out 20k in this economy?
Can Bendel Insurance sell the jerseys to their fans?
For a league still struggling to get followers, most Nigerians can't identify players from the League, Insurance is not making it easier for their fans, and some of the fans can't even afford the N500 gate fee to watch the games live.
Therefore, while one wonders what the powers that be at Insurance had in mind in terms of a target market for the kits, it could work in their Favour to find a way out to find a compromise that will make the kits affordable for their supporters within and outside the state as they remain the ones who can help the club to promote the brand.
Related content
)
19:48 - 14.01.2023
NPFL El-Kanemi Warriors will not pull a Bendel Insurance - Remo Stars boss
Ogunmodede led Remo Stars to a third-place last season, behind champions Rivers United and runners-up Plateau United.
)
18:50 - 14.01.2023
NPFL Enyimba starts season with a bang, defeat Nasarawa United in Jos
The victory now sees the eight-time Nigerian champions sit second in Group A behind Bendel Insurance, with 8 more games from the first week of the new season scheduled for Sunday.
)
12:00 - 14.01.2023
NPFL Preview: Oriental derby highlights action-packed weekend as NPFL returns
It will be fireworks this weekend across the country as the most difficult league in the world returns fully.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)