Sunshine Stars of Akure were on Thursday forced to a one all draw by their visitors, Bendel Insurance of Benin in one of the week 9 of NPFL game played at the Akure Township stadium.
Benin Arsenal were in front at the 62nd minutes by Osaghae following a well worked out incursion from the right flank through their defense Trojan Efe Enabulele and skipper Charles Omokaro who made it easy for Osaghae’s fine finishing.
The Visitors maintained the momentum until the 75th minute when the defenders lost momentum after they mistakenly thought that the centre referee blew for an offside before substitute Anthony Omaka gained a pass from his man in offside position and slot in the equaliser for Sunshine.
Addressing journalists shortly after the game, the chief coach of Bendel Insurance, Baldwin Bazuaye expressed satisfaction with his boys’ performance but admitted that he expected them to completely put the game beyond their host.
“That is game of football, you plan to win but sometimes you get a point and some other times you lose. We thank God for the away point. However, our team is work in progress because they are the same boys we brought from NNL and our following our development plans gradually with the support of Edo government we are sure of tremendous progress.”
Meanwhile, a minute of silence was observed at the beginning of the game in honour of late former NFF Secretary General, chief Taiwo Ogunjobi.