Bendel Insurance FC of Benin on Wednesday defeated visiting Enyimba International FC of Aba, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, in a rescheduled Matchday 20 fixture of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).
A second-half strike from Kayode Oke proved decisive as the hosts claimed a crucial three points.
With the result, the Benin Arsenal have taken four points off the Aba side this season, having played a goalless draw earlier in Aba earlier during the first stanza of the 2024/2025 campaign.
The match kicked off with Bendel Insurance pressing forward in search of an early breakthrough.
Enyimba’s Innocent Gabriel was handed a straight red card in the 21st minute by the center referee for a reckless challenge on Oke, who was racing towards his goal post.
The numerical advantage had little or no effect on the home side, as they struggled to break down Enyimba’s defensive line, squandering several opportunities before halftime.
Kayode Oke finally broke the deadlock for the Insurance in the 55th minute when his shot was deflected past the reach of Enyimba’s goalkeeper, Henry Ani, sending the home fans into celebration.
The forward nearly doubled his tally in the 67th minute, but a brilliant save from Enyimba’s safe hand denied him.
Insurance held firm to see out the game despite their wastefulness in front of goal.
The win lifts them to 28 points from 23 matches, providing the much-needed relief in their battle to climb up the NPFL standings.
Insurance Head Coach, Greg Ikhenoba, who was delighted with boys’ performance, described it as a perfect birthday gift for him.
He, however, admitted that his side wasted countless the should have converted.
“I give glory to God and thank the boys for this present. We created a lot of chances, but our finishing is still a concern,” he admitted.
Enyimba Coach Stanley Eguma, lamented his side’s misfortune, stating that the red card unsettled their game plan.
“It was a good game, but being a man down made things difficult for us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance will host Niger Tornadoes in their next fixture on Sunday, while Enyimba will look to bounce back when they face Rivers United in Aba.
