Stand-in coach of Bendel Insurance, Greg Ikhenoba, has reiterated the need for improvement from his team despite their 3-1 victory over Kwara United on Saturday evening.
The Benin Arsenal secured the win in a Matchday 13 clash of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season, played behind closed doors at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Nazir Mohammed opened the scoring in the 17th minute, capitalizing on a pinpoint long pass from Stanley Okorom. However, the lead was short-lived, as Emmanuel Ugwu’s defensive error just six minutes later allowed Emmanuel Ogbole to pounce on a loose ball and fire into the bottom left corner for Kwara United’s equalizer.
Determined to regain control, Okorom and Nazir combined once again in the 32nd minute, with the latter restoring Bendel Insurance’s lead before halftime.
The second half saw missed opportunities from both sides, but Bendel Insurance maintained the pressure. In the 82nd minute, Austin Ogunye was brought on to replace Kayode Oke. The substitution proved decisive as Ogunye scored with his very first touch just three minutes later, sealing the victory for the Benin Arsenal.
After the match, Ikhenoba admitted his side must improve, especially in converting chances, and spoke on his tactical decision to bring on Ogunye.
“It’s glaring from the chances we missed that we need to do better and work hard,” he said.
“I noticed Kwara’s defense was shaky and felt we needed someone to spice up our attack, which is why I brought in Austin Ogunye.”
Bendel Insurance will aim to build on this result as they face Nasarawa United away on Wednesday, November 27th.