Bendel Insurance have confirmed that goalkeeper Joshua Baba has rejoined the squad ahead of their Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 8 fixture against Sporting Lagos. The former Enyimba goalkeeper arrived at the team’s hotel in Lagos on Saturday night, days after the club declared him absent without official leave following his failure to return from an approved recovery period.
Baba’s absence began after he sustained an injury in Insurance’s season-opening match against Warri Wolves at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. He was granted two weeks to recover and travelled to Plateau State to visit his family, with the club expecting him back in training by mid-September. According to Insurance, he did not return within that period or obtain permission to extend his leave.
The club subsequently made the matter public through a statement signed by its Director of Media and Communications, Kehinde Osagiede. Insurance said repeated attempts to contact Baba had been unsuccessful and that both the head coach and team manager confirmed he had not reported for duty. The statement also stressed that his contract runs until the end of 2027.
His return clarifies his whereabouts, but it does not establish that the disciplinary matter has been closed. Before he rejoined the squad, Insurance said they would pursue appropriate disciplinary and administrative measures and had notified the NPFL and Nigeria Football Federation of his unauthorised absence. The subsequent report confirming his arrival did not explain the reason for the delay or announce whether any action would still follow.
Nor does joining the team hotel confirm that Baba is fit to play or will start against Sporting Lagos. His availability for selection remains distinct from his return to the squad, particularly after an injury and an extended absence from club duties. No starting role was announced in the report confirming his arrival.
For Bendel Insurance, the immediate development is that a missing squad member is back with the team before their next league assignment. The outstanding questions concern his fitness, reintegration and disciplinary status—not whether his presence alone will determine the result against Sporting Lagos.
