Sports

NPFL25 MD22: Bendel Insurance Escape Relegation After 1-0 Win Against Kastina United

Published

1 year ago

February 4, 2025

Bendel Insurance Football Club, Monday evening defeated Katsina United 1-0 in the Match Day 22 of the 2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The victory again the Kastina United FC moved the Benin Arsenals from the red zone .

Julius Emiloju scored the only goal in the match in the 26th minute of play at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

It was Emiloju’s first goal for the Benin Arsenals.

Anoor Isaac’s thrown in ball was poorly cleared by Katsina defenders and found Kayode Oke who promptly made it easy for the left fullback to calmly slot in.

Both sides laboured without any rewards for their efforts throughout the remaining part of the game, but the second half saw Katsina United pushed hard for an equalizer, with their lanky striker Bello Lukman causing the Insurance backline to do extra work.

Insurance, however, held on till the final minutes to secure the much-needed victory which marked the return of their fans to the stadium in style.

The home victory did not only lift their spirits but also helped them regain their lost grounds in the league after their previous setback.

Bendel Insurance have now moved out of the relegation zone and climbed to 15th position on the league table with 25 points after 21 games.

They have an outstanding home game with Enyimba FC.

In a post match interview, the coach of Bendel Insurance, Greg Ikhenoba said he was happy to get the maximum points, noting that his team will continue to work hard.

He insisted that his team needs to do more in order to be comfortable outside the red zone.

Also speaking, the match winner, Julius Emiloju said he was excited to score the goal that gave his side a hard-earned victory.

Sports

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

Published

1 day 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.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.