Bendel Insurance Confirm Goalkeeper Joshua Baba Rejoins Squad Ahead of Sporting Lagos Match

Goalkeeper Joshua Baba has rejoined Bendel Insurance ahead of their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 8 encounter against Sporting Lagos, according to a report by Daily Post Nigeria. His arrival resolves an unresolved absence that had previously led the club management to classify the shot-stopper as absent without official leave.

Return to the Squad in Lagos

Baba reportedly linked up with his teammates on Saturday night at their hotel in Lagos, where the Benin City-based outfit is finalizing preparations for their upcoming league engagement. His presence provides an immediate update to an internal issue that developed after the player failed to report back to duty following a club-sanctioned medical break.

The club had formally listed the former Enyimba goalkeeper as absent without official leave (AWOL) after he missed the deadline to return to Benin City. While team officials confirmed that he has now reunited with the traveling delegation, further details regarding whether the player will face formal disciplinary review or internal sanctions have not been publicly detailed.

Injury Layoff and Extended Absence

The circumstances surrounding Baba’s absence trace back to the opening stages of the current league campaign. According to information provided by the club, the goalkeeper picked up an injury during Bendel Insurance’s Matchday 1 fixture against Warri Wolves, played at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Following that opening match, the club granted Baba a two-week recovery window to recuperate. During this approved leave, he traveled to Plateau State to spend time with his family. However, the goalkeeper did not return to the squad at the end of the stipulated two weeks, leading to concerns from club leadership and his subsequent AWOL designation. The exact reasons behind his delayed return were not specified by the club.

Focus Shifts to Matchday 8

Known colloquially as the Benin Arsenal, Bendel Insurance are aiming to secure vital points as the NPFL season progresses into its eighth round of fixtures. Baba’s return restores another experienced option between the posts, though it remains unconfirmed by the coaching staff whether he will be integrated directly into the starting lineup or matchday squad against Sporting Lagos.

With the goalkeeper’s whereabouts and status now settled, the team’s immediate focus turns back to the pitch as they prepare to take on their Lagos-based opponents.

Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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