Sports

NPFL25: Bendel Insurance FC Beat Enyimba Int’l FC 1-0

Published

9 months ago

February 12, 2025

Bendel Insurance FC of Benin on Wednesday defeated Enyimba FC of Aba 1-0 in a rescheduled Matchday 20 fixture of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Kayode Oke scored the only goal of the match in the 55th minute to help the Benin Arsenals claimed a crucial three points.

The result earned the Benin Arsenals four points off Enyimba this season in their two meetings.

Both sides played out a goalless draw in Aba on Tuesday , December 31,2024 during the first leg of the 2024/2025 campaign.

The match kicked off with Bendel Insurance pressing forward in search of an early breakthrough but the People’s Elephant stood their ground and maintained the 0-0 score line at halftime despite the numerical advantage Insurance enjoyed following the straight red card Enyimba’s Innocent Gabriel received in the 21st minute for a reckless challenge on goal bound Kayode Oke.

The second saw Bendel Insurance mounting more pressure on Enyimba’s defensive line but squandered several scoring opportunities.

The deadlock, however, was finally broken in the 55th minute when Kayode Oke’s shot beat Enyimba’s goalkeeper Henry Ani, sending the home fans into jubilation.

The Insurance energetic forward came close to doubling the lead in the 67th minute, but a brilliant save from Enyimba’s shot-stopper denied him.

Insurance held on firm to their lead to see out the game and secured the maximum three points which helped them climb up the ladder a step forward to 15 in the NPFL standing on 28 points from 23 matches.

The Head coach, Greg Ikhenoba during a post interview said he was delighted with the win, describing it as a perfect birthday gift.

“I give glory to God and thank the boys for this present. We created a lot of chances, but our finishing is still a concern,” he admitted.

On the other hand, Enyimba FC coach Stanley Eguma lamented his side’s misfortune, stating that the red card unsettled them and altered their game plan.

“It was a good game, but being a man down made things difficult for us,” he said.

Bendel Insurance will be at home again to host Niger Tornadoes in their next fixture. The match day 24 with Niger Tornadoes is scheduled for Sunday, February 16. Kick off time is 5:30pm

Sports

SWAN Kicks Off 60th Anniversary/Awards With Religious Services

Published

2 days ago

October 23, 2025

Editor

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is set to hold its 60th anniversary with Jumat Prayer and Thanksgiving on Friday October 24, 2025.

A statement by the Media and Publicity Committee of the anniversary said the special prayer and thanksgiving will be held in all the state chapters and FCT at the venues which would be determined by the leadership of the various chapters.

According to the statement, the SWAN Diamond Jubilee and Award Ceremony will also feature the full council which is a meeting of the National Executive Council, zonal vice presidents and secretaries and state chairmen and secretaries.

The committee, while inviting “government functionaries, lovers of sports, members of the association and the general public to join SWAN members at the services to thank God for a successful 60-year journey,” added: “All activities at the event will hold at the National Stadium, Abuja between Oct. 29 and Oct. 31.”

“It will also be an opportunity for us to collectively pray for protection of members, better sports fortuneNigeria’s sports men and women and a more prosperous sports sector,” it said.

Sports

EPL: Trossard Strike As Arsenal Beat Fulham 1-0

Published

1 week ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

Arsenal edged past Fulham with a narrow 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage, climbing three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The result marked another composed and professional display from Mikel Arteta’s side, who continue to show their title credentials.

The decisive moment came in the second half when Leandro Trossard calmly finished after a clever set-piece routine.

Bukayo Saka delivered a dangerous corner that was flicked on by Gabriel, setting up Trossard to slot home the winner.

Arteta’s side dominated possession throughout, limiting Fulham to very few chances in front of goal.

The hosts struggled to create any real threat, with Arsenal’s defence staying compact and composed.

With the victory, Arsenal overtake Manchester City to sit three points clear at the summit after another disciplined away performance.

More to follow…

Sports

EPL: Nottingham Forest Sacks Postecoglou After 3-0 Defeat To Chelsea

Published

1 week ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

Nottingham Forest have sacked Ange Postecoglou barely minutes after their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

A statement from the Premier league club, released 20 minutes after full-time at the City Ground, reads: “Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect.

“The club will make no further comment at this time.”

Postecoglou was in charge for eight games and six of those ended in defeat.

It included an early Carabao Cup exit at Championship club Swansea City, when Forest led 2-1 in the 92nd minute before conceding two in four minutes to lose 3-2.

The other two games – away at Burnley (Premier League) and Real Betis (Europa League) ended in draws.