Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin kicked off the new year with a resounding 2-0 triumph over Rangers International of Enugu in the highly anticipated Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 17 clash.
The match, held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, showcased the Benin Arsenals’ stellar defensive display and clinical finishing.
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Osaghae Jr opened the scoring for Bendel Insurance in the 14th minute, heading home Paul Obata’s precise cross from a free-kick.
The Rangers’ defence seemed caught off guard as Osaghae Jr capitalized on the opportunity.
Sarki Ismael extended the lead in the 63rd minute after Goalkeeper Detan Ogundare’s misjudged clearance gifted the ball to Ismael, who calmly slotted it in to make it 2-0 for the hosts.
The defensive resilience of Bendel Insurance, led by players like Amas Obasogie, Sunday Anyanwu, Tanimu Benjamin, Ebuka Akonbudu, Julius Emiloju, and Stephens Sodje, left Rangers International frustrated and unable to find the back of the net.
In a post-match interview, Head Coach and Technical Director of Bendel Insurance FC, Monday Odigie, commended his players for rising to the challenge.
He emphasized the team’s tactical discipline and the need to manage players, citing the cautious introduction of star midfielder Divine Nwachukwu, who recently recovered from injury.
Rangers’ Coach Fidelis Ilechuku acknowledged that his team did their best but admitted it wasn’t their day.
He emphasized that in contemporary football, success is not solely based on a club’s reputation or longevity but on the quality and preparation of the team.
Bendel Insurance FC now sits on 27 points as they prepare for an upcoming clash with Bayelsa United in Yenagoa on Sunday, January 14, for Matchday 18.
Additionally, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe JP, continued his consistent support for Bendel Insurance by rewarding Osaghae Jr for scoring the first goal with cash and a souvenir.
Captain Maurice Prince also received Afrinvest’s N2.5 million match-winner star prize.
