“Football is a Holistic Game”: Coach Monday Odigie on Bendel Insurance’s Tactical Philosophy, Youthful Talent, and Challenges

Despite facing stiff competition and logistical challenges, the Benin Arsenals have stood firm, showing resilience and growth.

In an exclusive interview, coach Odigie shares his thoughts on the team’s recent performance, his tactical approach, and the importance of nurturing young talents while competing at the highest level.

He also delved into the harsh realities of coaching in Nigeria, calling for better infrastructure and support for the sport.

Defending the Fortress: Bendel Insurance’s NPFL Performance

Bendel Insurance has been a strong presence in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), known particularly for their disciplined defensive play under Coach Monday Odigie.

Despite some setbacks in his second season with the team, Odigie remains focused on improving the squad’s consistency and maintaining their competitive edge.

“If you feel the performance has been good, probably the team has been doing some good things coming forward,” Odigie told SportsBoom.com while acknowledging the team’s progress while keeping a humble perspective.

“The team got into the NPFL and has been trying to hold its own there, despite a lot of challenges.”

Odige stressed the importance of sticking to the basics and refining the tactical and technical aspects of the game.

“The soccer team should try to do technical and tactical things well on the field. And then everything can come in terms of encouragement and motivation, which sometimes is not there.”

In the face of these difficulties, Bendel Insurance has persisted, aiming to build a reputation for solid defensive play while working to improve on all fronts.

A Tactical Mastermind: Odigie’s Coaching Philosophy

Known for his rigid defensive approach, Coach Odigie’s tactical philosophy focuses on a broader understanding of the game, which he tailors to the strengths and weaknesses of his squad.

“Football is a holistic game, and it's not about an individual's approach. It's about following the principles of the game,” Odigie explained.

His method involves deep knowledge of the game’s phases and moments, and more importantly, how to pass that understanding onto his players.

“Technically and tactically, you have to follow the moments in the game, you have to try and be knowledgeable about it and try to inculcate it into the players. Because they are the ones who play.”

For Odigie, it’s not about rigidly sticking to a single philosophy. Instead, he insists on respecting the game’s core principles and working hard to implement them.

“It's about respecting the principles of the game and trying to keep working hard on them. That's what I do as a coach.”

Balancing Youth and Experience: Developing Bendel Insurance’s Young Talents

One of the most remarkable aspects of Bendel Insurance's squad under Odigie has been the rise of young players who have made significant contributions to the team.

When asked about balancing youth development with the high expectations of the NPFL, Odigie had a simple but powerful response: “I don't see anything. The only thing I see is football.”

He elaborated on the idea that football is not restricted by age, and that skill and potential matter more than experience. “Football is a combination of youthfulness and experience. It doesn't matter his age. If a player has what it takes, they can play.”

Citing examples from global football giants, he pointed out that age is no barrier to success, even in the toughest leagues.

Bendel Insurance may not have the resources to chase big-name players, but Odigie sees this as an opportunity to develop homegrown talent. “What you have is what you make do with. So that's what Bendel Insurance has been.”

Navigating the Challenges: Infrastructure, Competition, and Logistics

Despite the steady progress and talent at his disposal, Odigie has faced significant challenges as head coach of Bendel Insurance, particularly in terms of infrastructure and logistics.

“The system here needs to be better, needs to be improved upon,” he said, pointing to the lack of resources that plague Nigerian football. “A coach who remains in this clime is functioning under a very difficult terrain. Infrastructures are not there, and welfare is not what it should be.”

Odige lamented the state of coaching education in Nigeria, emphasizing that the development of both players and coaches is stunted by poor conditions.

“How do you expect the coach to grow when the environment is not there? You're talking about coaching education. It's not there.”

Despite these hurdles, Odigie is determined to give his best to the team and the sport.  “In every situation you find yourself, you try to make the best of it. So it's all about that.”

As Bendel Insurance continues to compete in the NPFL, Odigie remains hopeful that the authorities will recognize the importance of investing in football infrastructure and support systems.

“I can only appeal to the authorities to please really see football as what it is… It’s a means of bringing all the various ethnicities in the country together.”