Bendel Insurance have raised concerns over the whereabouts of goalkeeper Joshua Baba, declaring him absent without official leave (AWOL).
The Benin Arsenal, in a statement issued on Thursday and made available to Completesports.com, said Baba was last seen on August 29, when Insurance faced Warri Wolves in the opening fixture of the season.
Insurance Worried Over Baba’s Disappearance
According to the statement signed by Kehinde Osagiede, Director of Media and Communications, Baba picked up a knock during the game and was subsequently granted permission by the club’s management to visit his family and recover from the injury.
The club said the goalkeeper was given a two-week recovery period and travelled to Plateau State, where his family is based. He was expected to return to training in mid-September.
However, Insurance said Baba has failed to report back since the expiration of his approved leave and has remained unreachable.
“Following the injury, the player was granted a two-week recovery period and subsequently travelled to Plateau State to visit his family. He was expected to resume training and report back to the club in mid-September 2026.
“However, despite the expiration of the approved leave period, Joshua Baba has failed to report to the club and has remained absent without authorization.
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“The club has made repeated efforts to establish contact with the player and ascertain his whereabouts. These efforts have, regrettably, proved unsuccessful.
“The Head Coach and Team Manager have also confirmed that the player has neither returned to duty nor obtained any authorization to extend his absence,” the statement read in part.
Bendel Insurance further stressed that Baba remains under contract with the club until the end of 2027 and is therefore bound by the terms of his contract and the regulations governing professional football in Nigeria.
NPFL, NFF Notified
The club described Baba’s continued absence without authorization as a matter of “grave disciplinary importance,” insisting that his conduct falls short of the professionalism and commitment expected of a Bendel Insurance player.
“Such conduct is unacceptable and falls short of the standards of professionalism, discipline, commitment and responsibility expected of every player representing Bendel Insurance FC,” the club stated.
Insurance added that it would take all necessary disciplinary and administrative measures against the goalkeeper in line with his contractual obligations and the applicable regulations of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The club also confirmed that it has formally notified the NPFL and NFF of the situation, urging both bodies to take note of Baba’s status and the circumstances surrounding his unauthorized absence.
By Sab Osuji
