Bendel Insurance open new NPFL season with shock 2-0 win over Akwa United
Bendel Insurance began the 2022/23 NPFL season with a shock 2-0 win over 2021 champions Akwa United at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Imade Osarenkhoe opened the scoring for Insurance in the 39th minute of the game after connecting to Divine Nwachukwu’s assist.
The hosts were yet to recover from Imade’s shocker when Sarki Ismael doubled the lead for the visitor three minutes later after jabbing in a poorly cleared ball by Akwa Utd backline and goalkeeper to complete the task for the Benin Arsenals.
The Benin Arsenal took the huge two goals advantage into the break.
On resumption, Akwa United coach Deji Ayeni made two quick substitutions which changed the game, as the 2021 champions continued to mount pressure on Insurance but thanks to Insurance defender Benjamin Tanimu and the goalkeeper Amas Obasogie who were on top of their game.
In the post-match interview, Bendel Insurance coach, Monday Odigie said he was happy to begin the League on a very bright note. He however admitted that his side was lucky to convert their chances, saying that his opponents were more tactical.
“NPFL is a big and tough league. Irrespective of the result in our favour, we are going back to work on our weaknesses and strengthen the boys mentally. Our opponents were more tactical and experienced.
“Fate just smiled at us and we took our chances, and were also lucky to go away with the 2-0 victory. We will go back to prepare better ahead of stronger challenges we expect to meet.” Odigie said.
Meanwhile, his opposite colleague, Akwa United coach, Deji Ayeni rued the costly mistakes made by his team in the first half.
“We made a lot of mistakes and the god of soccer was not on our side. First and home game loss is a wake-up call. We were better in the second half but the damage was already done in the first half. No team is invincible. It depends on the response of players.
“My boys are not bad. We only need to psych the players up to be able to recover from the shock and face future challenges well,” he said.