Bendel Insurance produced a second-half comeback to secure a 2-1 away victory over Kwara United in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 11 encounter at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl of the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, on Sunday.
Sports247 reports that the Benin Arsenal recovered from a goal down to claim all three points, extending their positive momentum after previously ending Rivers United’s unbeaten run with a 2-1 victory.
Both teams approached the contest cautiously, with Kwara United creating promising opportunities through Aliyu Ferinyaro and Uche Jaguar. However, Bendel Insurance remained organised defensively to keep the hosts at bay.
Kwara United suffered an early setback in the 17th minute when Anthony Nnamdi was forced off after sustaining a knock, with Mighty Emmanuel introduced as his replacement.
Neither side could find the breakthrough before the interval, and the first half ended goalless.
The hosts eventually took the lead four minutes after the restart. Ferinyaro’s effort was parried by the Bendel Insurance goalkeeper, but Stephen Gideon reacted quickly to convert the rebound in the 49th minute.
However, Kwara United’s advantage lasted only three minutes as Kayode Oke restored parity for the visitors in the 52nd minute, capitalising on a loose ball inside the penalty area.
Bendel Insurance completed the turnaround shortly afterwards, with Chinedu Nwosu finding the net in the 55th minute to put the visitors ahead.
The Harmony Boys pushed for an equaliser and made further tactical changes in search of a response, but Bendel Insurance maintained their defensive discipline to protect their advantage until the final whistle.
Speaking after the match, Kwara United coach Ladi Ojokojo, who stood in for Ashifat Suleiman, expressed disappointment with the result but remained optimistic about the team’s prospects.
He assured supporters that the team would continue working hard to return to winning ways.
The defeat leaves Kwara United in 14th position on the NPFL table, increasing the pressure on the Harmony Boys to improve their results in subsequent fixtures.
For Bendel Insurance, the comeback victory represents another important away result as they continue their Matchday 11 campaign.
 Matchday 11 encounter at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl of the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, on Sunday.){kind=link}