2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 25: Bendel Insurance FC grabs away point at Warriors' stronghold

Posted : 20 February 2025

Bendel Insurance FC of Benin, on Wednesday, continued their impressive run since the change in their technical crew as they grabbed another valuable away point in tough terrain after a goalless draw with El-Kanemi Warriors in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 25 fixture.

The resurgent Benin Arsenals showed hunger and thirst for victory throughout the encounter at the El-Kanemi Stadium, with Osahon Osobo connecting well with Oke Kayode, whose brilliant efforts almost gave the visitors a breakthrough in the 26th minute of the tough and highly entertaining game. However, former Insurance goalkeeper Kolawole Oladipo denied him the chance with his magical gloves.

Insurance's young goalkeeper Joshua Baba proved his worth by making three incredible saves (16th, 76th, and 84th minutes) to keep his side in the game as Insurance held on to the end and shared the spoils.

Bendel Insurance FC now has 35 points and remains comfortably in the middle of the table ahead of their next game against Ikorodu City on Wednesday, February 27, in Benin.

Insurance FC has proven to be a force to reckon with in the Premier League since Coach Greg Ikhenoba was promoted to the Head Coach position following the resignation of his former boss, Coach Monday Odigie.

He has guided the Benin Arsenals through relegation waters and into the top ten, a feat that has earned him commendation from the management and fans of the club.

Before their trip to Maiduguri, the Benin Arsenals thrashed Niger Tornadoes 3-0 in the Matchday 24 fixture of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

They had beaten Enyimba FC four days earlier, on the same day their three deducted points were returned to them by the NFF Appeals Committee after a thorough investigation.

Recall that Insurance FC and El-Kanemi Warriors also shared points in their first-round meeting in Benin on October 5, 2024, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

The Warriors shocked the Benin Arsenals just two minutes into the game with a goal scored by Mustapha, before Michael Enaruna's 19th-minute equalizer for Insurance.

In a post-match interview, the Head Coach of Bendel Insurance, Greg Ikhenoba, said he was happy with the away point.

He commended his players for their commitment and determination, stating that he was concerned that fatigue might set in after playing four or five league and FA Cup matches within a week, alongside the long travel distance.

"I give God the glory and thank the boys for their patriotism and loyalty to the club.

“We have been very busy for the past two weeks, playing with just three days between matches.

"I'm pleased with the result today, considering the distance we covered.

"We had to leave Benin on Sunday night immediately after playing against Tornadoes."

Bendel Insurance is set to host Ikorodu City in the Match Day 26 fixture on Wednesday.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 25: Bendel Insurance FC grabs away point at Warriors' stronghold

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