Benjamin Tanimu wins Edo State Global Player of the Year Award
Super Eagles defender Benjamin Tanimu has been named the Edo State Global Player of the Year, recognising his outstanding performances for both club and country.
It has been an impressive year for the former Bendel Insurance player, who began his professional career in Tanzania with Ihefu FC before moving to England to join Crawley Town FC.
Tanimu gained national attention after injuries in the Super Eagles squad following the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations created an opportunity for him. Called up by assistant coach Finidi George, Tanimu made an impactful debut in Nigeria’s 2-1 win against Ghana.
His strong performance in that match is believed to have played a key role in earning him this prestigious award, which he proudly showcased on his social media.
Finidi George, the former Ajax star, expressed admiration for Tanimu’s talent, revealing that he had been monitoring the defender since his time at Bendel Insurance.
“He’s a player I wanted to sign when he was still at Bendel Insurance, but it didn’t work out. With all the injuries we had, I thought of him as a substitute. He was doing so well in Tanzania, so why not?” Finidi explained.
Since joining Crawley Town, the 22-year-old has yet to see regular playing time but has already impressed his 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 said.
Tanimu’s journey from Africa to England highlights his dedication and potential, making him a player to watch in the future.
