Tanzania Beckons For Super Eagles Defender, Tanimu As NIS Boss Says Hard Work Still Pays – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

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El-Ameen Ibrahim

Super Eagles defender Benjamin Tanimu has embarked on another chapter of his professional career after signing a two-year contract with Tanzanian side Singida Black Stars, extending a football journey that has taken him from Nigeria’s domestic league to clubs in Europe and North Africa.

The move marks another significant milestone for the former Bendel Insurance central defender, whose steady rise through the ranks continues to underscore the growing impact of grassroots football development in Nigeria.

Before completing his switch to the Tanzanian Premier League, Tanimu featured for English side Crawley Town and Moroccan outfit Maghreb de Fès, experiences that broadened his exposure to different football cultures and strengthened his credentials as an international defender.

With his arrival at Singida Black Stars, expectations are high that the Super Eagles player will add quality, composure and leadership to the club’s defensive unit as it prepares for the challenges of a new campaign.

Beyond the transfer itself, Tanimu’s career progression has become a reference point for aspiring footballers, particularly in Edo State, where his journey began.

From learning his trade in the domestic league to earning opportunities on the international stage, the defender’s story reflects the possibilities available to young players who combine talent with discipline, consistency and determination.

Reacting to the transfer, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, expressed confidence that the defender would make a strong impact in Tanzania.

“He will excel in his new club,” Shaibu said.

The NIS Director-General described Tanimu as a hardworking and disciplined footballer whose commitment to continuous improvement has defined his career.

Shaibu recalled that the defender developed the fundamentals of his game within the Bendel Insurance football system during his tenure as Deputy Governor of Edo State, noting that witnessing the player’s growth into an international professional has reinforced the importance of sustained investment in grassroots sports development.

According to him, Tanimu’s progress demonstrates the value of creating pathways for young talents through structured football programmes capable of producing players who can compete successfully on the global stage.

Shaibu also reaffirmed his commitment to youth development through sports, stressing that football and other sporting activities remain effective platforms for empowering young Nigerians irrespective of their social or economic background.

He wished the Super Eagles defender success in his new adventure and expressed optimism that Tanimu would continue to represent Nigeria positively as his professional career advances in Tanzania.