Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin on Sunday evening defeated Sunshine Stars of Akure 1-0 in the Match Day 13 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Benjamin Tanimu scored the only goal of the game in the 4th minute of play to boost the confidence of his side before their home fans at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
Tanimu converted a spot kick following the penalty kick awarded Insurance FC after Sunshine Stars defender had held a goal bound shot with his hand inside the box after just a minute into the game.
Insurance FC came into the game hungry for maximum points having lost their match day 12 to struggling Heartland FC of Owerri by a lone goal.
The Owena Waves on their part showed determination throughout the encounter, looking unruffled by the early goal against them as they came all out against the host team. But Insurance goalkeeper, Amas Obasogie, and the defence wall of Benjamin Tanimu, the match winner, Sunday Anyanwu, Ebuka Akonbudu, Julius Emiloju and Stephens Sodje remained solid and defended the early goal jealously.
The 1-0 victory has now pushed the Benin Arsenals up to 5th position on the NPFL table with 20 points after 13 matches played so far.
Insurance FC will be guests to Katsina Utd in the Match Day 14 fixture next week.
Benjamin Tanimu’s performance earned him Man of the Match award which he received from the sponsor, Festus Alenkhe JP, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council.
Comrade Festus Alenkhe has been the sponsor of Insurance FC Man of the Match award since past two seasons as part of his contributions to motivating Insurance players.
Meanwhile, Sunshine Stars head coach Edith Agoye has commended Edo State Governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu for all they have done in alleviating the suffering of their team after the armed robbery attack they suffered on their way to Benin for the NPFL Match Day 13 game.
The suspected robbers opened fire on Sunshine Stars team bus, shooting the team’s Curator in his stomach while some officials sustained minor injuries in the process.
“We want to appreciate the Governor of Edo State Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy Philip Shaibu for all they have done for us since the attack. The Governor sent his people to come and see us and he promised to offset our medical bills. The Deputy Governor also came to see us and gave us relief too. We are grateful. They made us feel at home.” Agoye said, adding that they a bit relieved now that their Curator is in a stable condition even before the match.
The Sunshine Stars manager said they were determined to get something from the game with Insurance FC as consolation for their terrible experiencebut Insurance prove difficult as usual.
Also speaking during the post match interview, Coach Monday Odigie of Bendel Insurance FC commended his boys for the show of determination and resilience. He added that his team will continue to work hard to get better as the league progresses.
