Bendel Insurance declares goalkeeper Joshua Baba AWOL

Bendel Insurance has declared goalkeeper Joshua Baba absent without official leave (AWOL) after he failed to return from an authorized recovery period. The club, often referred to as the Benin Arsenal, stated that Baba was last seen on August 29 during the season's opening fixture against Warri Wolves.

Following an injury sustained during that match, the club's management granted Baba two weeks to recover while visiting his family in Plateau State. He was expected to resume training in mid-September. However, the club reported that Baba has not returned and remains unreachable despite repeated attempts to establish contact.

In a statement signed by Director of Media and Communications Kehinde Osagiede, the club noted that the player's absence is a matter of “grave disciplinary importance.” Bendel Insurance emphasized that Baba is under contract until the end of 2027 and remains bound by professional football regulations in Nigeria.