2023/2024 NPFL Match Day 20: Sporting Lagos tames Bendel Insurance in Lagos

Posted : 19 February 2024

Premier League debutant Sporting Lagos FC is now finding their winning form with two victories in the last four days, securing a slim 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance on Sunday.

The 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 20 witnessed the Tech Boys securing a lone goal just after they defeated Rivers United FC in a rescheduled Match Day 19 match played on Wednesday with the same scoreline.

These results indicate that the Tech Boys have started the second half of the Nigeria Premier Football League 2023/24 season on a high note, clinching two wins against two strong opponents at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

The game began with Bendel Insurance struggling to keep up with the pace of the Noisy Lagosians, who were swift in their attacks.

As early as the third minute, Paschal had a good chance to score the opener, but his shot went wide as he failed to place Isaac’s cross well. Another opportunity arose in the 11th minute, this time for Jonathan Alukwu in front of an empty net, but he was unable to convert a fast cross from Paschal.

Under immense pressure from the Benin Arsenal, Monday Odigie strategized to strengthen his midfield by bringing Divine Nwachukwu into the action. Despite this tactical decision, Insurance began gaining momentum but failed to create any clear-cut chances.

A significant and dangerous opportunity came in the 35th minute as Chinedu Ufere silenced the stadium with a shot from outside the 18 that hit the crossbar.

Two minutes into the second half, Alukwu came close to scoring, but his shot from close range missed the target with the scoreline level. In the 56th minute, Monday Odigie made his first change, bringing on captain Maurice Prince for Paul Obata.

The breakthrough finally came for Sporting Lagos in the 56th minute, with Tochukwu Michael catching the Bendel defense off guard with a smartly taken free-kick from the edge of the box. Although there were appeals from the away team for a handball in the build-up to the goal, the center referee turned a deaf ear to their appeals.

To turn things around, Chukwudi Meze was introduced for Stephen Sodje in the 68th minute, adding to the strength of Insurance’s attack. Yet, Bendel Insurance could not level under the deafening sounds from the vuvuzelas of the Noisy Lagosians.

Austin Ogunye and Raymond Ikhenoba were introduced for Chisom Okereke and Divine Nwachukwu with less than two minutes of regulation time to play. With eight minutes of added time, Insurance still could not score.

Bendel Insurance has now lost six games this season.

2023/2024 NPFL Match Day 20: Sporting Lagos tames Bendel Insurance in Lagos

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