Sports

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

Published

1 year ago

February 12, 2025

Editor

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: Chelsea Set To Sanction First Summer Transfer Under Alonso

Published

2 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Chelsea are set to sanction their first summer transfer under their new manager, Xabi Alonso.

According to the BBC Sport, the Blues are ‘open’ to selling Filip Jorgensen this summer after the goalkeeper indicated his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.

Jorgensen joined the Premier League west London club two seasons ago from Villarreal.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper was expected to compete for the number one position with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but he made just 11 Premier League appearances over the two seasons.

However, while the arrival of Alonso to Stamford Bridge could lead to a change in fortunes for Jorgensen, the report added that the Danish star has already expressed his desire to leave Chelsea this summer to get more regular playing game-time elsewhere.

Chelsea had blocked a potential exit for Jorgensen in the January transfer window, but the Premier League west London club are now open to a sale, with European and English clubs expected to explore a deal for the goalkeeper.

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.