Bendel Insurance defeat Kwara United with a Convincing 3-1 Victory in NPFL Week 13 

Our reporter

Bendel Insurance FC reignited their campaign in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Saturday with a commanding 3-1 win over Kwara United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

The match, part of Week 13 fixtures, showcased an electrifying display of skill and determination as Bendel Insurance rebounded from recent setbacks to secure a crucial victory.

Kwara United, also known as the Harmony Boys, began the game on the front foot, dictating play and threatening to deepen Insurance’s recent struggles. However, Bendel Insurance, buoyed by a passionate home crowd, quickly found their rhythm.

Nazir Mohamed emerged as the standout performer for the Benin Arsenals, breaking the deadlock in the 18th minute with a clinical right-footed strike. Assisted by Stanley Okorom, Mohamed’s opener was a testament to his persistence, having narrowly missed an earlier chance in the 10th minute.

Kwara United responded swiftly, leveling the score in the 24th minute through Emmanuel Ogbole, who capitalized on a defensive error by Emmanuel Ugwu. But Mohamed struck again just four minutes later, netting his second of the match to restore Bendel Insurance’s lead before halftime.

Kwara United made tactical changes early in the second half, introducing Abayomi Lawal to bolster their attack. The substitution injected energy into their play, but the visitors struggled to break down Bendel Insurance’s resolute defense.

As Kwara pushed for an equalizer, they left themselves exposed at the back. Augustine Ogunye took full advantage, heading in a third goal for the hosts in the 85th minute to secure the victory.

Speaking after the match, Bendel Insurance’s stand-in coach, Greg Ikhenoba, praised his players for their performance but lamented missed opportunities. “We’re a work in progress,” he said, urging his team to be more clinical as they prepare to face Nasarawa United on Wednesday.

On the other side, Kwara United’s coach, Tunde Sanni, expressed disappointment, describing the result as “a bad day in the office.” He acknowledged his team’s defensive lapses and vowed to address the issues ahead of their next fixture.

With this victory, Bendel Insurance climbs higher in the NPFL standings, gaining momentum for their upcoming matches. Meanwhile, Kwara United will look to bounce back and rediscover their form in the next round of fixtures.