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The 22-year-old had a quick chat with Pulse Sports Nigeria on his rising popularity, early success with Insurance and the race for the golden boot.
Bendel Insurance forward Imade Osarenkhoe has disclosed the reason behind their incredible start this season and his rising popularity amongst fans in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.
The newly promoted outfit has been on fire in the opening half of the abridged season, with the Benin Arsenal the only unbeaten side left in the football league.
In a quick and exclusive chat with Pulse Sports, Insurance’s star boy, Osarenkhoe revealed the reason behind the early success so far, his form in the league and the race for the golden boot.
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Here are excerpts from that chat with the Insurance superstar.
On the journey so far
After nine matches, Osarenkhoe and Insurance look comfortable and in control of proceedings in Group A of the abridged football league.
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Bendel Insurance lead Group A having won seven and drawn two of their nine games so far, with the Benin Arsenal the only club yet to test defeat.
However, according to Osarenkhoe whose six goals have propelled the club, it has been an amazing and tasking season for the club so far.
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“This NPFL season has been amazing and tasking so far,” he said. “We came as the underdog and we are taking the big boys by surprise.”
United dressing room
Osarenkhoe has been one of the standout performers for Insurance and in the league this season. He is the joint-second scorer in the division with six goals in nine matches.
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On the secret behind his form, the team’s unbeaten run and journey to the top of the table, the Uniben product says it is down to a united and attentive dressing room.
“The secret behind our unbeaten run is that we are United and we listen to our coach on and off the pitch and that has really helped us a lot.”
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“We listen to our coach and follow his instructions, I guess that’s what has been our strong point.”
Recognition from fans
Osarenkhoe’s profile has skyrocketed since he became the first player to score the first goal of the 2023 season in Uyo back in January.
His devastating form for Insurance has seen the ambitious forward become one of the most recognisable faces in the football league at the moment. According to him, this is something that makes him happy as the fans appreciate good football.
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“I guess the fans love good football and they love my game,” he started. “I am happy about that, and it always prompts me to do better in every game.”
Race for the golden boot
It is a three-man race for the golden boot in the football league with Osarenkhoe currently joint second. He is tied with Robert Mizo of Bayelsa United on six goals, with Enyimba’s Emeka Obioma at the top of the chart with seven goals.
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However, while Osarenkhoe believes the race is an open one, he has got his eyes on a bigger prize with his team.
“Emeka is a wonderful player and Mizo too - they are both incredible but the race is still open. Some players are still behind and they are coming.”
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“But for now, I am concentrating on helping my team to get the Super six ticket and I set a personal goal to hit double figures (goals) before the end of the season.”
Mid-season break
Osarenkhoe and Insurance are currently on a break after the league announced a three-week break to allow the players to join other Nigerians to exercise their civic rights in the Presidential poll.
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Speaking on the break, the Insurance star added that the break will not derail him or the club when they resume in March.
“Before going on break, we were given some personal training things we should be doing on holiday,” Osarenkhoe added.
“We will resume on time too to prepare well for the second round and I believe the second round will be good.”
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