Benjamin Tanimu Wins Edo State Player of the Year Award Super Eagles defender Benjamin Tanimu has been honoured with the prestigious Edo State Global Player of the Year award, recognising his remarkable contributions to both club and country. Tanimu, who began his professional journey with Bendel Insurance, has experienced a meteoric rise this year. After a stint in Tanzania with Ihefu FC, he secured a move to Crawley Town FC in England, a testament to his growing reputation. His breakthrough moment came when he was called up by assistant coach Finidi George to fill in for injured Super Eagles defenders during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Tanimu impressed fans and critics alike with his debut performance in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Ghana, a display that undoubtedly influenced his receipt of this award. Former Ajax star and current Super Eagles assistant coach Finidi George, who had been tracking Tanimu since his days at Bendel Insurance, praised his potential. "He’s a player I wanted to sign when he was still at Bendel Insurance, but it didn’t work out. With the injuries we had, I thought of him as a substitute. He was doing so well in Tanzania, so why not?" Finidi explained. At Crawley Town, Tanimu has yet to become a regular starter but has already earned the admiration of manager Rob Eliot. "He’s a very good professional and a great athlete. From the games he’s played, we’ve seen his quality. We just need to make the right decisions on when to include him," Eliot stated. This award highlights Tanimu’s inspiring journey from local leagues in Africa to international recognition in Europe, solidifying his status as a player to watch in the coming years. Editorial Benjamin Tanimu’s ascent in football is a testament to the power of perseverance and talent.