2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 15: Bendel Insurance FC beats Plateau United to keep survival hope alive

Posted : 02 December 2024

Bendel Insurance FC of Benin City defeated Plateau United 2-1 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Matchday 15 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Uche Collins gave Insurance FC a deserved lead with a classy header in the 7th minute of the game. Collins completed the task set up by Julius Emiloju’s cross from the left flank.

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In the 15th minute, Bendel Insurance playmaker Nnamdi Anthony misjudged a supposedly easy clearance inside the box and fouled his opponent, resulting in a penalty kick for Plateau United.

Bendel Insurance survived the scare when the spot kick taken by Doyeni Olawale hit the woodwork, thanks to the goalpost.

The visitors’ efforts paid off in the 24th minute when Victor Dawa’s long-range strike was slightly deflected by Dennis Chigozie, beating Joshua Baba for the equalizer.

The timely equalizer, however, put Bendel Insurance on their toes as they fought hard to restore their lead, but all their efforts did not yield any results until the halftime whistle.

Upon resumption of the second half, Bendel Insurance stepped up their game, imposing themselves on the visitors, but several scoring chances were missed. Finally, in the 66th minute, Isaac Annor’s dropped free kick met the well-positioned Kayode Oke, who swiftly nodded it into the back of the net to restore Insurance’s lead and secure the winning goal.

The Benin Arsenals have double away fixtures ahead, facing Akwa United and Heartland FC of Owerri in Matchdays 16 and 17 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, respectively.

Speaking during the post-match interview, the Head Coach of Bendel Insurance, Greg Ikhenoba, said that his team will continue to work hard, noting that there are no weak opponents in the NPFL.

He commended his players for a job well done.

"I’m happy that our efforts yielded the results we desired. The battle continues. We will continue to work hard. There are no weak opponents in Nigeria's league anymore. We will get better," he said.

Coach Mbwas Mangnut of Plateau United, on the other hand, said his team had prepared very well for the game against Insurance with the conviction that they would get something from it, but unfortunately, they lost the three points.

"We approach every game with the mindset to win, and we will continue to fight for better results next time," he said.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 15: Bendel Insurance FC beats Plateau United to keep survival hope alive

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