Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin maintained their unbeaten run in the 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after a 1-0 victory over Enyimba International FC of Aba in their final game of the first-round campaign.
The Group A leaders secured all three points at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in a Match Day 9 fixture thanks to Imade Isarenkhoe’s 23rd-minute strike.
Enyimba were hoping to reduce the hosts’ four-point lead, but they couldn’t find a way past the solid Bendel Insurance defense. The visitors gave their best effort in the game, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a defeat. The result sees Bendel Insurance finish the first-round campaign with 20 points, while Enyimba remains on 16 points.
Imade Osarenkhoe scored in the 23rd minute – his 6th of the campaign – to send Bendel Insurance FC 7 points clear at the top of Group A.
A good way to keep the table as we go for the General Election break#BENENY#NPFL23
Adaaaaaaaa BENDEL! pic.twitter.com/p63iG1ujlX
— Bendel Insurance FC Official (@BendelInsurance) February 19, 2023
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In the second half of the match, Bendel Insurance pushed for more goals to strengthen their lead, but Enyimba’s defense proved too tough to break down. In a post-match interview, Enyimba’s Head Coach, Finidi George, admitted that his team played well but were unfortunate to lose the game.
What a great performance from the team! Another goal today thank you lord.GOD IS THE GREATEST @BendelInsurance @victorosimhen9 @ELEGBETE1SPORTS pic.twitter.com/lSEy7sSWEQ
— IMADE (BLACKBULLET) (@Imade_Osarenkho) February 19, 2023
He rated Bendel Insurance highly, despite the team’s recent promotion to the Nigerian top flight.
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“It was a good game, and both teams played well. We gave our all, but it was unfortunate that we conceded that goal in the first half and that ended the game 1-0. It is a lesson for us, but I think overall, our players did so well, and I am proud of them,” George said.
“They are doing so well. We know what they are capable of. They are a young team. They fight for every ball, and that is their motto. I must commend them, a team coming from the lower league and doing well. We have to commend them,” he added.
The victory keeps Bendel Insurance at the top of the Group A table, with a healthy four-point lead over second-placed Rivers United FC. Enyimba, on the other hand, remains in fourth place, six points behind the leaders. Both teams will now have a brief break before starting their preparations for the second stanza of the league.
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