Kennedy Boboye’s wait for a first victory as Bendel Insurance manager finally came to an end as the Benin Arsenal fought back to defeat Kano Pillars in a rain-soaked encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Saturday evening.
Boboye had gone four matches without a win since taking charge, recording draws against Kun Khalifat, Warri Wolves, and Rivers United, plus an away loss to Plateau United, but his side delivered when it mattered, battling through difficult conditions to claim all three points.
Insurance drew first blood in the 17th minute when Kayode Oke fired into the bottom-left corner, giving the home fans early hope. Moments later, heavy rainfall turned the pitch into a waterlogged battlefield, forcing both teams to adapt to the conditions.
The chaos worked in Kano Pillars’ favour in the 34th minute as the visitors were awarded a penalty after Rabiu Ali and Izu Azuka were fouled in quick succession inside the box. Referee Ajino Chineme pointed to the spot, and veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali made no mistake, despite goalkeeper Joshua Baba guessing right, to level the score.
Just four minutes later, Pillars turned the game around through a thunderous strike from Chiedozie Okorie, who powered the ball into the top corner from the edge of the area to register his first goal of the season.
Insurance made tactical adjustments at the break, introducing Nnamdi Anthony and Israel Emmanuel in place of Promise Itoro and Kevin Akinmola to regain control of midfield. The changes proved fruitful.
In the 75th minute, Emmanuel Dung found space and calmly slotted past Mohammed Galadinma to make it 2–2, sparking renewed belief in the hosts. Then, in the 88th minute, Akpan Emmanuel, one of Boboye’s new signings, dribbled into the box and sent in a dangerous cross that deflected off a Pillars defender and rolled into the net, sealing a dramatic comeback victory.
The win moves Bendel Insurance up to 17th on the NPFL table.