Bendel Insurance of Benin on Saturday beat the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan 2-0 in a week 2 match of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The Insurance side opened scores after eight minutes via an own goal by Shooting Stars’ Garli Falke in the match decided at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

Falke, who withered under the threat of Insurance FC’s attackers, scored an own goal as he made to clear the ball.

All efforts by the Ibadan side to level up failed as the home team maintained the lead into the halftime.

The unrelenting Insurance FC made an attempt to extend the lead in the 56th minute when Jude Ebhohon’s shot narrowly missed the target.

The Oluyole Warriors, as 3SC are fondly called, later came out of their shell, but their closest attempt at goal was nipped in the bud by enterprising Insurance FC goalie, Amas Obasogie.

Bendel Insurance made three tactical substitutions in the 72nd minute, replacing Jude Ebhohon with Vincent Augustus, Paul Obatan with Austin Ogunye, and Akpos Godness with Evans Ogbonda.

The move paid off when Ogbonda picked up a pass from Stanley Okorom, whose volley from 25 yards, after deftly outwitting two 3SC players, sealed the game for the home side in the 78th minute.

Bendel Insurance and 3SC, both arch rivals, had settled for draws in their last two meetings in the Nigeria apex football league.

In the post-match interview, Monday Odigie, the Bendel Insurance FC coach, said he was happy with the victory but would have been more excited if some of his key players were available for the game.

“It was a tough game and thank God we won. The side that converted their chances won. We are going back to work on areas we had lapses.”

Also speaking, captain of the home team, Maurice Prince, and the second goal scorer, Evans Ogbonda, said they were happy to begin with victory over a “stubborn side”.

However, the Head Coach of the visiting side, Gbenga Ogunbote, expressed displeasure over officiating and poor finishing by his strikers.

Insurance FC will host Plateau United on Wednesday in Benin in a match day 3 fixture of the NPFL.

(NAN)