Head coach of Bendel Insurance FC of Benin, has expressed delight with his side 1-0 win over Enyimba FC of Aba in a rescheduled Matchday 20 fixture of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) played at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on Wednesday.
He described the victory as a perfect birthday gift to him by the players. “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.
A second-half strike from Kayode Oke proved decisive as the hosts claimed a crucial three points.
The result meant Insurance have taken four points off Enyimba this season, having played out a draw in the reverse fixture earlier in Aba during the first stanza of the 2024/2025 season.
The match kicked off with Bendel Insurance pressing forward in search of an early breakthrough.
The hosts were, however, handed a numerical advantage in the 21st minute when Enyimba’s Innocent Gabriel received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Oke, who was racing towards goal.
In spite of the extra man, Insurance, nonetheless, struggled to break down Enyimba’s deep defensive line, squandering several opportunities before halftime.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 55th minute when Kayode Oke’s 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 shot-stopper denied him, but 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 much-needed relief in their battle to climb up the NPFL standings.
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.
Bendel Insurance will host Niger Tornadoes in their next fixture, while Enyimba will look to bounce back when they face Rivers United.
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