Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin City secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Plateau United on Saturday in Matchday 15 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
The match kicked off with early drama as Bendel Insurance took the lead in the 7th minute. Uche Collins rose above the Plateau United defense to meet Julius Emiloju’s precise cross from the left flank, guiding the ball into the back of the net with a well-executed header to give the hosts a deserved advantage.
However, in the 15th minute, a moment of misfortune for Insurance nearly saw their lead wiped out. Playmaker Nnamdi Anthony made a rare mistake, misjudging a clearance inside the box and fouling his opponent, resulting in a penalty for Plateau United. Doyeni Olawale stepped up to take the spot kick, but his effort was denied as the ball struck the woodwork, much to the relief of the home fans.
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Plateau United’s persistence paid off in the 24th minute when Victor Dawa unleashed a powerful long-range shot. The strike was slightly deflected by Bendel Insurance defender Dennis Chigozie, sending it past goalkeeper Joshua Baba for an equalizer, leveling the score at 1-1.
The equalizer seemed to spur Plateau United on, as they grew into the game, but Bendel Insurance responded by increasing their efforts to regain the lead. Despite creating several chances, the hosts could not break through the Plateau defense, and the first half ended with the score still tied.
After the break, Bendel Insurance came out with renewed vigor, dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. Their persistence finally paid off in the 66th minute. A well-placed free kick by Isaac Annor found the head of Kayode Oke, who expertly nodded the ball past Plateau United’s goalkeeper to restore the home side’s lead.
The victory keeps Bendel Insurance’s hopes of a strong finish alive as they prepare for two tough away fixtures. The team will face Akwa United at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and Heartland FC in Owerri at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Matchdays 16 and 17.
In the post-match interview, Bendel Insurance’s head coach, Greg Ikhenoba, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance. “I’m happy that our efforts yielded the results we desired. The battle continues. We will continue to work hard. There is no weak opponent in Nigeria’s league anymore. We will get better,” Ikhenoba stated.
Plateau United’s coach, Mbwas Mangnut, acknowledged the disappointment of the defeat. “We prepared very well for this game with the conviction that we would get something from it, but unfortunately, we lost the three points. We approach every game with the mindset to win, and we will continue to fight for better results next time,” Mangnut said.
Bendel Insurance’s victory sees them maintain their push for the top of the NPFL standings, while Plateau United will look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
