The match that took place on Matchday 7 of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin City was highly entertaining, with both teams displaying skill and prowess on the field.
Bendel Insurance FC, the home team, dominated the first half of the game, putting serious pressure on the Remo Stars team and taking total control of the game.
Despite their efforts, it was only in the 26th minute that the Benin Arsenal were able to break the deadlock when Ismael Sariki scored the opening goal of the match.
The goal ended Remo Stars’ unbeaten run in Benin and further boosted the morale of the Bendel Insurance team. In the second half, the Remo Stars came out stronger, determined to make a comeback.
They were able to create several goal-scoring opportunities, but the Bendel Insurance defense held strong, denying them any chance to equalize.
However, in the 85th minute, Jide Fatokun thought he had scored the equalizer for Remo Stars, but the goal was ruled out by the referee.
The reason for the disallowed goal was that Remo Stars scored off a throw-in that was awarded to Bendel Insurance. The Assistant Referee had given the throw-in to Bendel Insurance, and while the Remo Stars celebrated the goal, the Assistant Referee kept his flag up and informed the referee that it should have been a throw-in in favor of Bendel Insurance.
Sarki’s opening goal had given Bendel Insurance the momentum to control the game and ultimately secure the victory.
Comrade Festus Alenkhe, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, presented the Most Valuable Player award and a personal cash gift to Ismael Sarki for his brilliant performance. Uptown Press reports that, this cash reward exercise and presentation of special Award plaque will continue till the end of the season.
SEE FULL-TIME results for Matchday 7 of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier football league.
Gombe United 0-3 Doma United
Abia Warriors 2-1 Kastina United
Akwa United 0-0 Plateau United
Bendel Insurance 1-0 Remo Stars
Rangers Int’l 2-0 Heartland FC
Enyimba 1-0 Kwara United
Rivers United 1-1 Sunshine Stars
Shooting Stars 4-1 Niger Tornadoes
