Bendel Insurance stun Akwa United in NPFL season opener

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After 3 years, 7 months, and 19 days, Bendel Insurance of Benin made a sensational return to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) with a stunning 2-0 victory over former champions Akwa United in Uyo on Sunday.

Two quick first half goals from Imade Osehenkhoe (38) and Sarki Ismael (41) sealed the win for the visitors.

The Benin Arsenal were not intimidated by the home crowd and got their reward in 38th minute with a swift counter attack led by Divine Nwachukwu on the right to square a pass for Osehenkhoe to open the scoring.

The goal came with a controversy after the ball went out from the back of the net which prompted the home side to appeal that Osehenkhoe missed the target from 6 yards.

Three minutes later, Ismael doubled Bendel Insurance’s lead after Akwa United goalkeeper, Godsgift Elkanah spilled a corner kick into the path of Ismael who knocks the ball over the line.

Akwa United had early chances in the second half to come back into the game but could not made their early dominant count.

The win takes newly promoted Bendel Insurance to the top of the NPFL table with three points.

Stats

The last time Bendel Insurance recorded a victory in the NPFL was a 1-0 (Junior Osaghae) win over Sunshine Stars on matchday 21 of the 2018/2019 season.

Ayodeji Ayeni since taking over Akwa United as head coach in March 2022 has won six (6) matches, drawn seven (7) and six (7) defeats. The defeat to Bendel Insurance is the first time Coach Ayeni has lost a home match in the NPFL and is yet to win an away game with just three points on the road.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Akwa United will travel to face Enyimba in Aba in matchday two while Bendel Insurance will welcome Plateau United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

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