Bendel Insurance FC of Benin City on Saturday at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium defeated fellow relegation-battling Plateau United 2-1 in Matchday 15 of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
Insurance’s striker, Uche Collins, struck first as he headed his team into the lead in the 7th minute of the game, converting Julius Emiloju’s cross. Bendel Insurance, however, conceded a penalty six minutes later after Anthony Nnamdi fouled his opponent in the penalty area.
Bendel Insurance had the goal post to thank as the resulting kick from the spot taken by Doyeni Olawale hit the woodwork. The defender’s rebound attempt was duly picked as a foul by the referee as it’s illegal to score directly in such situations without the ball touching another player.
Plateau United only had ten minutes to wait before correcting their penalty blush when Victor Dawa’s long-range effort was slightly deflected by Dennis Chigozie, beating helpless Joshua Baba, the Goalkeeper of Bendel Insurance.
With the equalizer, Bendel Insurance had to fight hard to get back into the lead, seeing several attempts to meet the rock-solid defence of the Peace Boys of Plateau.
After several missed attempts, Isaac Annor’s freekick inches away from the penalty area met an unmarked Kayode Oke Solomon, who swiftly nodded into the back of the net for Insurance’s second goal in the 66th minute.
Bendel Insurance will next play two away games, first against Akwa United at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, and then they will visit the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri to play against Heartland FC.