The never say die spirit of Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin manifested against their old foes Elkanelmi Warriors of Maiduguri in their rescheduled Nigeria National League (NNL) Super match as their new signee Ebuka Akobundu”s late strike rescued a point for the Benin Arsenal to keep them in contention.
The Benin Arsenals were shocked by Abdulrahman Daddy in the 82nd minute of play with a clinical finish which Amas Obasogie could not save, bringing their impressive performances to nothing,but thanks to Ebuka who did not waste Austin Ogunye and
Divine Nwachukwu’s efforts to save the day for Insurance with his 88th minute rocket. It was a deserved 1-1 draw for Insurance FC who will be facing Doma FC in their last game.
Insurance and Elkanelmi Warriors are tied on the same four points but the later lead the table with a goal superior to the former and both sides must wait till after the last game to know who wins the 2022 NNL title.
Elkanelmi Warriors defeated Doma FC 2-0 the same day Insurance beat host Bayelsa Utd 1-0 and it is a reversed fixture on last day as Insurance will be engaging Doma FC,Elkanemi will be slugging it out with host Bayelsa
Bendel Insurance in their usual style started the game brightly with attacking football and great skills on display but were unlucky to put two goals past Elkanelmi Warriors Goalkeeper in the first half.
Imade Osarenkhoe was close to getting his name on the scoresheet but with unbelievable miss in the 7th and 22nd minute as the half ended goalless.
On resumption of the second half, Insurance Technical Director Monday Odigie made three substitutions, withdrawing Imade Osehenkhoe, Sarki Ishmael and Taiwo Oripelaye for Austin Ogunye, Divine Nwachukwu and Ebenezer Odeyemi to boost the attack.
Divine Nwachukwu and Austin Ogunye made quick impacts as they increased the pressure on the El-Kanemi defence.
El-Kanemi however came out of their shells and took possessions, attacking in the 70th minute and they almost got a goal but Amas Obasogie was quick to the rescue.
Both coaches made some noticeable technicsl adjustments lster but the tactical changes yielded positive results; first, for El-Kanemi Warriors as they got their goal in the 80th minute following a beautiful build-up from the backline to connect the scorer who dressed his ball near the edge of Insurance box and hit a low shot that went past Amas Obasogie for the heartbreaking late goal.
Just when the fourth official was preparing the 2 minutes of additional minutes, Austin Ogunye from between three markers set Divine Nwachukwu up with a through ball to the left flank and the winger with one touch cross from the left flank, sent in a square to the way of Ebuka Akobundu who released a thunderbolt shot that blasted past a motionless David Obiazor for the deserved equaliser which sent anxious Insurance fans into wild jubilation shortly before the end of game whistle.
The curtains will be drawn on the Super Four tournament tomorrow,Saturday November 19 as Bayelsa United hosts El-Kanemi Warriors at 2 pm before Bendel Insurance will take on Doma United at 4 pm at the same Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.
