Some Nigerian media outlets have reported that Super Eagles defender Tanimu Benjamin has been linked with a new club, moving from Ihefu FC, Soccernet.ng reports.
Following the announcement of a new name and a trending picture of the former Bendel Insurance star, a section of the Nigerian football community has been puzzled by the news, speculating that the player might be joining a new club.
However, a source close to Benjamin’s camp told Soccernet that this report is inaccurate, as there has been no change of club for Tanimu, only a change of the club’s name.
The picture spotted by many football fans is merely an unveiling of new players under a rebranded club name, not a move from Ihefu FC to Singida Black Stars, as some have portrayed it.
The Nigerian defender will don the colours of the now-renamed Singida Black Stars in the upcoming Tanzania Premier League season and will be hoping to continue from where he left off for the club.
It’s worth recalling that Tanimu made the switch from the Nigeria Premier Football League less than seven months ago and has since become a key player for his team.
Following his exit from the NPFL, his talent caught the attention of then-Super Eagles coach Finidi George, who sought him out when facing an injury crisis in the team’s defence department.
“He [Benjamin Tanimu] is a player that I wanted while he was still at Bendel Insurance, but it didn’t work out. So with all the injuries that we had, we had to look for a player who could substitute, and it came to my mind to invite him. He is doing so well for his club in Tanzania, so why not?” Finidi stated.
Since his debut for the Nigerian national team, Tanimu Benjamin has made three appearances, featuring in a friendly clash against Ghana and qualifying games against South Africa and Benin Republic.