Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of former league champions Plateau United in the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday.
The Benin Arsenals, with the 2-0 loss at the New Jos International Stadium, have experienced back-to-back defeats following a 1-0 loss to Shooting Stars in Ibadan last Thursday.
Plateau United secured the breakthrough goal with Alexander Enejo's classy strike in the 51st minute of the game. Barnabas Daniel doubled the lead for the hosts in the 67th minute following a defensive blunder.
The first half ended in a goalless situation with scoring chances created and squandered by both sides.
Bendel Insurance coach Monday Odigie, in his quest for goals and improved performance, made a tactical switch in the 60th minute, substituting Osaghae Junior, Sarki Ismael, Kelly Oahimijie for Michael Enaruna, Divine Nwachukwu, and Wisdom Stephens.
The changes indeed raised the standard of play as Divine Nwanchukwu and former Bayelsa Utd midfielder Wisdom brought life to the midfield, but their efforts were not enough to subdue their hosts.
Substitute Michael Enaruna also gave a good account of himself as his 76th-minute strike almost diminished Plateau Utd's lead, with his shot hitting the bar without goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso's response.
Evans Ogbonda's fine free-kick afterward provided another opportunity for Insurance to score, but goalkeeper Suraj dived at full length to push the ball off the goal line.
Recall that Bendel Insurance defeated Plateau Utd 1-0 in their first-round meeting in Benin. Benjamin Tanimu scored the only goal of that match in the 15th minute to give Insurance the maximum points at home.
The Benin Arsenals will be looking to bounce back against Gombe Utd in Benin on matchday 24 on Friday, March 8, in a revised fixture. Their first meeting in Gombe ended 1-0 against Insurance.
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