Sports

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

Published

1 year 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

EPL: ‘Go For Alvarez’ – Paul Merson Hands Arsenal Two Signings To Make

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has handed his old club two signings to make in the summer.

Merson wants Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and a new midfielder.

“I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez,” Merson said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

“I am a big fan. If they could get him, I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.”

Arsenal is expected to bolster its squad in the summer after winning the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season.

Sports

EPL: Wayne Rooney Picks Most Improved Player This Season

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has picked the Red Devils defender Luke Shaw as the most improved player in the Premier League following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said, “I think, for me, Luke Shaw. I think Luke Shaw has been the most improved player this season.

“I know he is an experienced player now, but I think his level this season has been much better than it has been in recent seasons.

“People might look at Kobbie Mainoo but I don’t think he’s improved. It was just the fact he wasn’t playing under the former manager so it wasn’t good or bad.”

Shaw enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons at Man United and started all of Man United’s Premier League games.

Sports

EPL: Maresca Signs Three-year Contract To Replace Guardiola At Man City

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Former Chelsea and Leicester City manager, Enzo Maresca has signed a three-year contract with Manchester City.

Maresca will now replace Pep Guardiola, who took charge of his last game on Sunday – a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X on Tuesday: “Enzo Maresca has already signed a three-year deal as Manchester City’s new manager.

“Agreement until June 2029 and new chapter to start soon at #MCFC, with Maresca fully involved in the transfer strategy.

“Here we go, 100% confirmed.”

Maresca has been out of work since he left Stamford Bridge in January this year and has snubbed offers while waiting for the City job.