Bendel Insurance FC, Saturday evening at the University of Benin Sports Complex defeated the Stationery Stores of Lagos by two goals to nothing.
Defence strongman, Daniel Johnson converted a penalty kick in the 40th minute of play to give the host the lead. The centre referee awarded the spot-kick after Kingsley Onovo’s goalbound shot was blocked by Stores defender in the box.
The Benin Arsenal would have been two goals up before half time but the match officials inaccurate judgment ruled out Imade Osarenkhoe’s supposed opening goal in the 32 minutes of play. The lanky striker’s long-range volley hit the goal-bar to the ground across the goalline but the centre referee and Assistant remained indifferent.
The Benin Arsenal tall striker’s effort was rewarded again undeniably this time when he tipped the ball beyond the reach of Stores keeper who had no remedy to the trouble. The 57-minute strike from Imade made it two unreplied goals for Benin’s.
The 2-0 victory has pushed Insurance to the top of the Group B table on 10 points to overthrow Crown FC who were on a bye this weekend.
Insurance are scheduled to meet Crown next when the league resumes on January 10 after the Christmas holiday which begins tomorrow, Sunday, December 22.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Edo state and chairman of the Benin Arsenal Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu added colour to the game as he featured for his darling club.
Philip Shaibu who celebrated his 50th birthday on first of December didn’t look his age as his moves and accurate passes received spectators’ applause. He came in for Sarki Ishmael in the 83 minutes.
In a post-match interview, the assistant coach of Insurance Greg Ikhenoba said he was satisfied with the result. “Victory is sweet! We thank God for the victory and hope that our boys will continue to improve on the game. It is good to win and this will especially boost our confidence ahead of Crown FC clash after the holiday.” Greg said.
Insurance begins their Christmas break immediately after the victory. According to the team manager Coach Benard Ogbe, the players are expected to resume 3rd of January, 2020 ahead of January 10 NNL resumption date.
