By Amaechi Agbo 

Bendel Insurance Football Club mourns former coach Laurence Akpokona as Edo and Nigerian football community are in sad mood following the death of a great football tactician.

Akpokona passed away on Friday after battling with a protracted illness that left him bedridden for months.

In a condolence message to the family and friends Bendel Insurance FC management expressed sadness over the passing of their former coach 

The Benin arsenal highlights the achievement of late coach Lawrence Akpokona to include two WAFU cup and CAF cup, saying that the narration of the club’s history and achievement will not be complete without mentioning coach Lawrence Akpokona.

His tactical brilliance and dedication brought incredible pride to the “Benin Arsenal” and Nigerian football as a whole. His achievements stand as a permanent testament to his skill and leadership:

Beyond the trophies, his reputation as a “silent achiever,” a peace-loving gentleman, and a dedicated developer of talent shows that his influence went far beyond the pitch. 

Late coach Lawrence Akpokona Guided Bendel Insurance to continental glory, winning the then CAF Cup on December 4, 1994,after  securing regional dominance  with two WAFU Cup Titles.

Akpokona also made domestic Impact: in shaping the Nigerian league through his management of prominent clubs like Ocean Boys FC and Julius Berger.

“We will surely miss him but we are consoled by his legacy of football talent development in our club and country 

“May his soul rest in peace, and may his family, friends, and the entire Bendel Insurance FC  find the strength to bear this irreparable loss.” the club said in a statement