Bendel Insurance head coach, Greg Ikhenoba, expressed his delight after his team secured a 1-0 victory over Enyimba in their rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League 2024/25 matchday 20 clash on Wednesday.
The win, which came as a perfect birthday gift for Greg Ikhenoba, was sealed by a second-half strike from Kayode Oke.
“I thank the boys for giving me a good birthday present,” Ikhenoba said after the match.
“This is a good birthday present. I do not expect anything other than this. We will continue our preparation tomorrow (today) for the weekend,” Greg Ikhenoba added.
Coming into the game at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, both teams were desperate for a positive result. Ikhenoba made just one change to the side that lost 1-0 to Shooting Stars last weekend, with Kayode Oke replacing Richards Christopher. Enyimba’s head coach, Stanley Eguma, opted for two changes from the team that suffered a defeat against Akwa United.
The early stages of the game saw Enyimba take control, but their momentum was halted in the 22nd minute when Innocent Gabriel received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on a goal-bound Kayode Oke. Bendel Insurance were then forced into an early substitution, with Ini Edem replacing the injured Emiloju Julius in the 38th minute.
Insurance broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when Ini Edem delivered a precise cross, which Kayode expertly finished to put the home side ahead. Oke came close to doubling the lead in the 66th minute, but his header was denied by Enyimba goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena.
Despite Enyimba’s late push for an equalizer, including the introduction of Junior Lokosa and Ufere Chinedu, Bendel Insurance’s defense held firm to secure all three points.
The victory provides a morale boost for Ikhenoba’s men as they prepare for their next challenge this weekend against Niger Tornadoes.