Sports

NPFL: Bendel Insurance Begin Season With 2-0 Victory Over Shooting Stars

Published

3 years ago

October 7, 2023

Editor

Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin this evening began the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League on a bright note, following a convincing 2-0 victory over arch rivals Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan.

The Benin Arsenals got the first goal eight minutes into the game, courtesy of an own goal scored by Shooting Stars’ Garli Falke.

The goal was as a result of the pressure mounted by Insurance attackers as Falke’s intended clearance went into his side’s net.

The current Federation Cup holders enjoyed the goal advantage in the remaining part of the half until Tamara Ezikiel got injured out of the midfield.

Insurance went into the dressing room at half time with the 1-0 advantage.

The hosts came out in the second half with early attempt to increase the tally but Jude Ebhohon’s strike went wide in the 56 minute.

The Gbenga Ogunbote managed Oluyole Warriors later came out of their shells to level up with some good attempts but Amas Obasogie was up to the task in goal mouth for Insurance.

Coach Monday Odigie’s tactical switch, following 72nd minute tripple substitutions, removing Jude Ebhohon, Vincent Augustus Paul Obatan for Austin Ogunye, Akpos Godness and Evans Ogbonda changed the complexion of the game to Insurance advantage.

The combined force of the three substitutes paid off when Evans Ogbonda picked up a pass from Stanley Okorom and beat two men before he released the stunner from 25 yards to send the home fans at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium into wide jubilation.

Both teams met twice last season and ended their matches in draws. Insurance FC were forced to a 2-2 draw in the first leg and again forced to a1-1 draw in the revised fixture at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium.

In a post match interview, Coach Monday Odigie said he was happy with the victory but not excited because some of his key players were not available for the game.

“It was a tough game and thank God we won. The side that converted their chances won. We are going back to work on areas we had lapses” he added.

Also speaking,the team captain Maurice Prince and the second goal scorer Evans Ogbonda said they were happy to begin with victory over a stubborn side.

The team manager of the visiting Shooting Stars Gbenga Ogunbote expressed displeasure over officiating and poor finishing by his strikers.

Insurance FC will be hosting Plateau Utd on Wednesday in Benin in the match Day Two fixture.

Sports

EPL: Why I Won’t Stay One More Year At Man Utd – Casemiro

Published

12 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, has explained why he won’t stay one more year at the club.

The 34-year-old is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the current season.

The Brazilian, however, had been urged by the club’s fans to extend his contract by one more year due to his brilliant display for Michael Carrick’s side this term.

Speaking on the development, Casemiro told ESPN Brasil, “There is no chance [for me to stay one more year].

“It is leaving through the front door. It has been four wonderful years, and I am eternally grateful not only to the club but to the fans.

“I think it is over. The cycle has ended here. I am moving on to a new chapter in my career.”

Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

1 day ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

3 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.