By Hananeel Jackson
Robert Mizo’s goal on 18 minutes gave Bayelsa United a one- zero victory over visitors Bendel Insurance in a matchday seventeen encounter in group B2 of the Nigeria National League NNL at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
Technical Adviser, Diepreye Teibowei made few changes from the side that held Joy cometh to a one-all draw last weekend at the Agege Stadium in Lagos, with Sunday Oweyemi, Atiki Egbe and Hassan Oladimeji making a return after three weeks on the sideline.
Mizo’s struck from a deflected effort after Kenneth Edozue failed to clear Favour Martin’s low cross having missed a chance to be one goal up in the opening minutes of the game.
The visitors came close for an equalizer from Simeon Elijah two minutes after the goal but his effort was saved by Bayelsa United shot-stopper John Shaibu who came in for injured Issiaka Ogoubiyi.
However, the attacking trio of Favour Martins, Robert Mizo, Emo James initiated a move that would have resulted to more goals but were twice prevented from penetrating.
Just before the downpour that ended the match abruptly Emo James tested Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasagie but hit the woodwork.
This was before the encounter was halted by the heavy rain on Wednesday evening, signalling the end of the first half.
On resumption of the second half on Thursday morning after a soggy state of the Samson Siasia Stadium the previous day, Ojo Olutope almost restored parity for Insurance but that move was abbreviated by John Shaibu.
Thereafter, coach Diepreye Teibowei introduced Victory Beniangba and Okardi Inikurogha as the duo stabilized Bayelsa United who had better control of the ball.
The victory leaves Bayelsa United in second place in the B2 table of the Southern Conference with 27 points while Bendel Insurance are on 24 points with a game at hand as well as an abandoned game against Holy Arrows.
Bayelsa United will next travel to Abeokuta to face Gateway United on Saturday while Bendel Insurance will be at home to Goddosky Fc of Nnewi.
Technical Adviser of Bendel Insurance Bernard Ogbe said in a post-match interview that he was impressed by the performance of his wards despite the soaked pitched on Wednesday which warranted the game to be completed on Thursday morning.
He debunked rumors that Bendel Insurance are conniving with the league body to ensure their promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League.
Reflecting on the team’s position in the log, Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United, Diepreye Teibowei noted that the victory was a relief to him.
He said there was a need for improved performance in away matches in order to place them in a comfortable position.
He frowned at the organizers of the league over their inability to fix the date for the outstanding games of Bendel Insurance in group B2 as well as the abandoned game at Oleh between Holy Arrows and Bendel Insurance.
On his part, the Chairman of the club, Mr. Ebiki Timitimi thanked the players for their doggedness and spirited performance, adding that he was optimistic about getting three points away on Saturday.
Mr Timitimi lauded Governor Douye Diri for his unalloyed support to the team in their quest to return to the NPFL.
