Bendel Insurance have confirmed the return of goalkeeper Joshua Baba ahead of their Nigeria Premier Football League ,NPFL, Matchday 8 encounter against Sporting Lagos. Baba’s return comes days after the club declared him absent without official leave (AWOL) for failing to report back to duty after his approved recovery period. The former Enyimba goalkeeper sustained an injury on Matchday 1 during Bendel Insurance’s clash with Warri Wolves at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Following the injury, Baba was granted a two-week recovery period, after which he travelled to Plateau State to visit his family. However, he failed to return to Benin City within the stipulated timeframe, prompting the club to declare him AWOL. According to Bendel Insurance, the shot-stopper resurfaced in Lagos on Saturday night, and joined his teammates at the team hotel as the Benin Arsenal prepared for their Matchday 8 fixture against Sporting Lagos.
The Benin-based club also expressed gratitude to members of the media and other stakeholders who contributed in various ways following its earlier statement declaring Baba AWOL. “The management of Bendel Insurance FC also wishes to use this opportunity to express its sincere appreciation to members of the media and other key stakeholders who have played various roles since the club issued its earlier statement declaring the goalkeeper AWOL,” reads the statement.
“Bendel Insurance FC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and accountability in all its dealings.”