NPFL24: Insurance is not defensive, perspective matters – Monday Odigie

Head coach of Bendel Insurance, Monday Odigie has challenged the narrative of the Benin Arsenal playing defensively after the team’s 1-1 draw against Rivers United in Matchday 16 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, platinumnewsng.com is reporting.

Bendel Insurance started brightly and it paid off as Chisom Okereke netted his first goal of the campaign in the 21st minute. With six minutes of regulation time left in the first half, Nyima Nwagua quickly levelled for the Pride of Rivers. The second half was barren as both sides were unable to find the back of the net.

Speaking after the game, Odigie described his team’s performance as ‘averagely well’ while explaining why his team found it hard to score in the game.

“We performed averagely well. playing against a team like Rivers United is a big game. If you are not at your best you can’t stand them. We tried to give our all out and I thank the boys for the brave performance over the best team in the country.

“After we got the goal, we were unable to stay tactically disciplined,” Odigie said.

When asked about the defensive style many think his team deploys, he explained that his team plays to their strength.

“I don’t believe the tag of being defensive. When you have the ball you can play. When you don’t have the ball what can you do? You need to close down the lines. It’s not about what people think, you play to your strength.

“If they want to see the team as defensive well, that’s the way they want to see them. When you have the ball you attack, when you don’t, you have to close the lines. When you get the ball back, you transition into attack. We did not play with three defenders. We played with a normal back four.” Odigie concluded

Bendel Insurance will host Enugu Rangers on matchday 17 of the NPFL at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium on January 6, 2024.