Goals from Michael Enaruna, Kayode Oke, and Nnamdi Anthony secured a well-deserved victory for Bendel Insurance over Bayelsa United in Matchday 7 of the Nigeria Premier Football League 2024/25 season.
The Benin Arsenal bounced back from their previous 3-0 defeat to Ikorodu City, making five changes to their lineup, to clinch a 3-0 win against Bayelsa United at home.
Joshua Baba, Austin Ogunye, Isaac Annor, and Denis Chigozie, Stanley Okorom started in the stead of Suleiman Solihu, Julius Emiloju, Stephen Sodje, Dede Muoghara, and Uche Collins.
The game’s first goal came early in the 17th minute through a well-coordinated effort by Michael Enaruna. The winger dazzled past defenders on the left flank and delivered a low cross, perfectly tucked into the bottom right corner by Kayode Oke.
Bendel Insurance continued to press for a second goal, and just four minutes later, Enaruna found Austin Ogunye with another low pass. However, the veteran striker sent his shot just over the bar, missing a chance to extend the lead.
In the 36th minute, Enaruna was involved again, threading a through ball to Meyiwa. However, Bayelsa United’s center-back duo of Gabriel Biriduba and Amedu Goforth stood firm, dispossessing the forward. Meyiwa appealed for a penalty, but the referee waved play on, denying the hosts any further advantage.
Tempers flared as the match progressed, with Bendel Insurance coach Monday Odigie receiving a yellow card in the 57th minute for his persistent complaints from the technical area.
Despite several attempts, the second goal proved elusive until the 78th minute when former Sporting Lagos midfielder Nnamdi Anthony capitalized on a defensive error. A loose ball fell kindly into his path, and Anthony expertly controlled it with his chest before firing it into the roof of the net, sealing the victory.
Bendel Insurance made their first substitution in the 83rd minute, bringing in Vincent Okeke for Meyiwa to add fresh legs to the attack.
The third of the day came from Michael Enaruna in 90+2 minutes with a low, powerful shot beyond the reach of Bayelsa goalie Godgift Elkanah.
This is Bendel Insurance’s second victory this season, with the team 11th on the log pending other match results from Matchday 7.