Bendel Insurance Football Club on Saturday, December 27 ended the first round of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season on a high after a convincing 2–0 victory over Kwara United in a Matchday 19 encounter played at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
Emmanuel Akpan opened scoring for the Benin Arsenals in the 20th minute after finishing calmly from a well-constructed attacking move initiated by Adamu Yazid from the left flank, giving the home side an early advantage. Bendel Insurance continued to press and were rewarded again in the 42nd minute when Kayode Oke doubled the lead,with a tap in , following Chinedu Nwosu’s assist as the hosts went into halftime firmly in control of the match.
The win, which also marked Bendel Insurance’s final home game of the year, saw the Benin Arsenals delivered a dominant first-half performance, scoring twice before the break to secure maximum points and moved up to 8th position on the NPFL table.
Kwara United however attempted a response in the second half, but Bendel Insurance remained disciplined at the back, limiting the visitors’ attacking threats and seeing out the game comfortably stable as Chigozie Dennis,Onyia Henry and Efe Enabulele controlled backline very much alive to their responsibility in neutralizing the opponents threat.
Speaking after the match, Bendel Insurance head coach Kennedy Boboye expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance and result, describing the victory as a fitting end and beautiful way to conclude the first stanza of the season.
“I’m happy with the result and the performance of the players. It was important for us to end the first round of the season in a convincing victory and our last home game of the year on a positive note. The boys showed good character, discipline, and commitment from start to finish,” Boboye said.
The experienced tactician noted that scoring early helped his side controlled the game, adding that the second goal before halftime was crucial.
“Getting the first goal early gave us confidence, and the second goal before halftime helped us control the game better. We played to our game plan, kept our shape, and limited Kwara United’s chances,” he added.
Boboye also highlighted the importance of the victory in improving Bendel Insurance’s league standing, while stressing the need for consistency ahead of the second half of the season.
“This win is important for us because it moves us up the table. Being 8th at this stage shows progress, but we know there is still work to do. Consistency is key, and we must keep improving as we go into the second stanza,” he said.
On the other side, Kwara United head coach Ashifat Suleiman admitted his team fell short, particularly in the first half, pointing to costly mistakes and sluggish start.
“It was not the result we wanted. We made some mistakes, especially in the first half, and at this level you get punished for lapses in concentration,” Suleiman stated.
He added that conceding twice before the break made recovery difficult, despite an improved second-half showing.
“Conceding two goals before halftime made things difficult for us. We tried to come back in the second half, but Bendel Insurance defended well and managed the game properly,” he said.
He said that the team will go back to restrategise ahead of second round meeting with Insurance FC in January,noting that his side suffered a jetlagged effect in the Match Day 19 in Benin.
