Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin on Thursday evening defeated Abia Warriors FC of Umuahia 1-0 as they regained strength after an away loss in previous game in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Recall that Insurance surrendered all three points to Katsina Utd in the Matchday 14 encounter at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina last weekend.
The Benin Arsenals began the Matchday 15 duel at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, with a show of thirst and hunger for victory.
Evans Ogbonda scored the only goal of the match when he delivered a sublime strike in the 6th minute of play to boost his side’s confidence against the warriors from Abia State and the goal earned Insurance the maximum points.
They took the battle to the gate of their opponents with Chisom Okereke, Osaghae Jr. and Ogbonda terrorizing Sharp Uzoigwe’s goal area in the first ten minutes, hence the early goal.
Insurance FC will be celebrating this year’s Christmas with victory as their match against Abia Warriors is their last home game before Christmas celebration.
Insurance would have been two goals up before the end of the first half but were wasteful. Evans Ogbonda was close to increasing the tally after connecting with Chisom Okereke’s pass in the 31st minute of the game but missed the chance as Abia Warriors’ goalkeeper, Sharp Uzoigwe, calmly picked the ball.
Evans Ogbonda’s impressive performance earned him the Man of the Match Award which was presented to him by the sponsor, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Chapter.
Evans Ogbonda who joined Insurance this season as a left back player has finally been baked into a great midfielder and goal scorer by Coach Monday Odigie.
The Akwa Ibom man now operates comfortably at the heart of Insurance midfield. He scored his first goal for the Benin Arsenals against Shooting Stars of Ibadan in the matchday 2 encounter in Benin.
Bendel Insurance FC have now moved up on the league table to fourth on 23 points. They will be guests to Rivers Utd in the Matchday 16 fixture on Thursday, December 28.
Speaking during the post match interview, Coach Monday Odigie expressed optimism that his side will continue to improve as the league progresses. He appealed for more support from fans and supporters for the Benin Arsenals.
On the other hand, his Abia Warriors counterpart, Coach Erasmus Onuh praised the efforts of his boys despite the defeat. He described the officiating of the game as fantastic, adding that his team will bounce back as the injured key players continue to return to action.
