Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin on Wednesday beat Enyimba International FC of Aba 1-0 in a rescheduled Match Day 20 fixture of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League.
A second-half goal by Kayode Oke proved decisive as the hosts claimed the three crucial points in the match at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
The result means Bendel Insurance have taken four points off Enyimba this season, having played out a draw in Aba during the first round of the 2024/2025 campaign.
The match kicked off with Bendel Insurance pressing forward in search of an early breakthrough.
The hosts, however, gained a numerical advantage in the 21st minute when Enyimba’s Innocent Gabriel was sent off for a reckless challenge on Oke who was racing towards goal.
In spite of the extra man, Insurance still struggled to break down Enyimba’s deep defensive line, squandering several opportunities before half-time.
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The deadlock was finally broken in the 55th minute when Oke’s shot deflected past Enyimba’s goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, sending the home fans into celebration.
The forward nearly doubled his tally in the 67th minute, but a brilliant save from Ozoemena denied him.
Insurance however held firm to see out the game in spite of their wastefulness in front of goal.
The win lifted them to 28 points from 23 matches, providing the much-needed relief in their battle to climb up the NPFL standings.
Head coach Greg Ikhenoba was delighted with the win, describing it as a perfect birthday gift.
Ikhenoba said: “I give glory to God and thanked the boys for this present.
“We created a lot of chances, but our finishing is still a concern.”
Meanwhile, Enyimba’s 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,” the coach 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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