Bendel Insurance staged a stirring late comeback to defeat Kano Pillars 3–2 on Saturday, handing new coach Kennedy Boboye his first victory and lifting themselves slightly off the foot of the NPFL table.
Playing under heavy rainfall at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the Benin Arsenal showed resilience and urgency, overturning a halftime deficit to secure just their second win of the 2024/2025 campaign.
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Insurance made a bright start as Kayode Oke fired them ahead in the 17th minute, but Kano Pillars hit back with two quick goals before the break. Captain Rabiu Ali levelled the score with a 34th-minute penalty, and Chiedozie Okorie struck four minutes later to give the visitors a 2–1 advantage going into halftime of the Matchday 13 clash.
Boboye responded by introducing fresh legs for the second half, and the changes brought renewed energy. Insurance dominated the final half-hour and were eventually rewarded in the 77th minute when Emmanuel Dung smashed home a brilliant equaliser from outside the box.
With tension rising and the clock winding down, Emmanuel Akpan delivered the decisive moment in the 88th minute, calmly slotting in the winner to complete the turnaround and send the home fans into raptures.
After the match, an emotional Boboye expressed gratitude to his squad and supporters for their belief during a difficult spell.
“I’m relieved and delighted with this victory,” he said. “The players, fans, and supporters deserve credit. This win is for them.”
He also praised the contributions of younger squad members, noting that rising star Dominion Osaghae—promoted from the feeder team—earned a place on the matchday list through impressive training performances. Although the youngster did not feature, Boboye assured more opportunities lie ahead.
The win lifts Bendel Insurance to 17th place with 12 points, offering renewed hope as Boboye continues the mission to guide the club away from relegation danger.
