Bendel Insurance FC of Benin on Saturday recorded a 2-0 victory over the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan in the week one match of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Professional Football League.
The Benin Arsenals as Insurance are fondly called by the fans and admirers, opened scorelines after eight minutes via an own goal by a Shooting Star’s Garli Falke in the match decided at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.
Falke, who faltered by the threat of Insurance onrushing attackers, scored an own goal as he made to clear the ball.
All efforts by the Ibadan side to level up failed as the home team maintained the lead into the halftime.
The unrelenting Insurance made an attempt to extend the lead in the 56th minute when Jude Ebhohon’s shot narrowly missed the target.
The Oluyole Warriors, as 3SC are fondly called, later came out of their shells and looked smoking, their closest attempt at goal was nipped in the bud by enterprising Insurance goalie, Amas Obasogie.
Coach Monday Odigie of Bendel Insurance made three tactical substitutions in 72nd, replacing Jude Ebhohon with Vincent Augustus, Paul Obatan with Austin Ogunye, and Akpos Godness with Evans Ogbonda.
The combined forces of the subs paid off when Ogbonda picked up a pass from Stanley Okorom, whose volley from 25 yards, after deftly outwitting two 3SC players, sealed the game for the home side with a second goal in the 78th minute.
Bendel Insurance and 3SC, both arch rivals, had settled for draws in their last two meetings in the Nigeria apex football league.
In the post match interview, Odigie said he was happy with the victory but would have been more excited if some of his key players were available for the game.
“It was a tough game and thank God we won. The side that converted their chances won. We are going back to work on areas we had lapses.”
Also speaking, captain of the home team, Maurice Prince, and the second goal scorer, Evans Ogbonda, said they were happy to begin with victory over a “stubborn side”.
However, team manager of the visiting side, Gbenga Ogunbote, expressed displeasure over officiating and poor finishing by his strikers.
Insurance FC will host Plateau United on Wednesday in Benin again in the match Day Two of the NFL fixtures.
NAN
