Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin showed strength and character against former league champions Rivers Utd as they were forced to a 1-1 draw by the Pride of Rivers on Thursday in the Matchday 16 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Chisom Okereke positioned Insurance in front after hitting the back of the net of Rivers Utd in the 21st minute of play to open his goal account for Insurance FC since joining the Benin Arsenals on loan from Enyimba FC this season.
The energetic Chisom Okereke pounced on a loose ball in Rivers area, following a fine line-breaking pass by Paul Obata from the left flank, and wasted no time in jabbing the ball into the net to upset their host.
The Benin Arsenals defensive blunder in the 38th minute of play however gave room for the host to come from behind to level up and restore their pride before the halftime whistle.
The Pride of Rivers got their equalizer through their captain Nyima Nwagua in the 38 minutes of play.
Both teams returned to the field for the remaining half having already sized up themselves, with Coach Monday Odigie making quick substitution to strengthen his midfield with mercurial Divine Nwachukwu who came in for Zaidu Ayuba. Nwachukwu’s introduction proved positive as his immediate impact brought inspiration to the team, making him, indeed the missing rib in Insurance’s midfield.
The Benin Arsenals now have 24 points and occupy 7th position on the log after posting six wins; six draws and four losses in the sixteen games so far played this season.
Insurance will be returning to Benin with a head-up high after ending the year on a positive note in Rivers. They will be host to Rangers International of Enugu on Saturday, January 6, 2024.
In a post-match interview, the head coach and Technical Director of Bendel Insurance FC Monday Odigie praised his boys for coming out strong against Rivers Utd. ” I want to thank the boys for their great performance. We played against a team playing on the continent. They are one of the best in the country. “, Odigie said, adding that there is still a lot of work to be done in his team. going forward.
