Bendel Insurance Rising, Edo Queens Reigning: How Emperor Jarrett Tenebe Is Driving Edo Football Forward.
BENIN CITY — The historic triumph of Edo Queens as WAFU B champions has once again placed Edo State in the spotlight of African football, but behind the celebration is a remarkable story of leadership, motivation, sacrifice and strong government support.
At the centre of the transformation is the Chairman of Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens, Chief Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, whose approach to sports administration has introduced a renewed culture of motivation and winning to Edo football.
When Tenebe took over Bendel Insurance, the team was struggling at the bottom of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) table. Determined to change the team’s fortunes, he introduced a performance-based incentive programme under which every goal scored by a player attracted a ₦500,000 reward, while every match won attracted ₦1 million.
The initiative significantly boosted the morale and determination of the players. From languishing near the bottom of the table, Bendel Insurance fought its way back and eventually finished 5th in the NPFL 2025/2026 season, a remarkable turnaround that demonstrated the impact of motivation, leadership, and investment in players.
Tenebe subsequently brought the same philosophy to Edo Queens. Under his leadership, the Queens went on to win the Nigerian Women’s Football Premiership 2025/2026 season, earning the opportunity to represent the state on the regional stage.
Their biggest test came in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, where Edo Queens competed for WAFU B honours. It was here that Chief Tenebe demonstrated that his commitment to the team went beyond his responsibilities as Chairman.
At the time, Tenebe was also serving as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, with significant official responsibilities at home. However, following a direct instruction from the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, he left his official duties and travelled to Burkina Faso to personally accompany and support the Queens.
Tenebe spent 12 days in Ouagadougou, remaining with the team throughout the competition and providing leadership, encouragement, and motivation. His presence was a clear demonstration of the importance attached to the team’s campaign by both the Chairman and the Edo State Government.
The commitment ultimately produced the desired result, as Edo Queens emerged WAFU B champions, bringing another major football honour to Edo State.
The Governor’s decision to release the APC State Chairman for 12 days to accompany the team also reflects the administration’s broader understanding of the role sports can play in youth development.
Governor Okpebholo recognises that when young people are empowered and meaningfully engaged, particularly through sports and other productive activities, their energy and creativity can be positively channelled towards their personal development and the economic advancement of the state.
The administration sees sports not merely as entertainment but as an instrument for youth empowerment, crime prevention, talent development, and economic opportunity. By keeping young people positively engaged, they are less vulnerable to idleness, crime, and other negative influences while gaining discipline, teamwork, skills, and opportunities to build careers.
Edo Queens have now become a shining example of what that philosophy can produce.
Following their WAFU B triumph, the Queens have also qualified for the CAF Women’s Champions League, taking them to an even bigger stage where they will compete against the best women’s clubs on the continent.
The Edo State Government has expressed its full support for the team and is confident that the Queens can go all the way to win the CAF Women’s Champions League trophy.
From Bendel Insurance’s remarkable recovery from the bottom of the NPFL to a 5th-place finish in the season, to Edo Queens’ Nigerian Premiership success and subsequent WAFU B triumph, Chief Emperor Jarrett Tenebe’s leadership has been defined by one consistent principle: motivate people, support talent, reward excellence and build a winning mentality.
His 12-day stay in Ouagadougou, undertaken at the direct instruction of Governor Monday Okpebholo despite his responsibilities as APC Edo State Chairman, has become another defining part of the story behind Edo Queens’ historic success.
For Edo State, the victory is bigger than football. It is a testament to what can happen when talent, leadership, youth empowerment, and government support come together.
Edo Queens have conquered Nigeria. They have conquered West Africa. Now, with the full backing of the Edo State Government, the Queens are setting their sights on Africa.