By Editor
Bendel Insurance forward Michael Enaruna has proven once again that he still has a lot to offer his home club as he came from the bench to rescue a point for his side against Nasarawa United in the
2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League match-day 34 clash at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin,
The Benin Arsenal, against the expectations of the home fans were trailing the visiting Solid Miners on Sunday, following a breakthrough goal scored by Abubakar Garba in the 42nd minute of the encounter in Benin.
The visitors showed resilience and determination as they aimed to capitalize on the noticeable weakness on the side of Bendel Insurance who have now dropped four points at home in two consecutive games. Coach Greg Ikhenoba had to do the needful by introducing Enaruna in the place of Moses Ajiboye on resumption of the second half.
Michael Enaruna made his presence felt as his brilliance and speed in the attack paid off in the 74th minute as his close range strike gave Insurance FC the needed face-saving equalizer at the famous Samuel Ogbemudia stadium
Insurance continued to mount pressure but all efforts to get the maximum points did not yield the desired results as both sides shared the spoils,thanks to substitute Michael Enaruna.
Recall that Nasarawa United defeated Bendel Insurance 2-1 in their first round meeting in Lafia. It was supposed to be a payback time for Insurance who have the chance to get the 3rd place finish
The second home draw results have kept the Benin Arsenals in the fift position on 50 points,3 points behind 4th and 3rd placed Abia Warriors and Ikorodu City.
Bendel Insurance FC will be guests to Plateau Utd in the Match Day 35, on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Kickoff time is 4pm.
Speaking during the post match interview, the Head Coach of Bendel Insurance FC Greg Ikhenoba said that the outcome was not the result he expected to get, saying that as the league gets tougher and close to conclusion there are bound to be surprises.
“This is not what we bargained for – but sometimes, you lose, and some other times, you win and also draw some. That is what has happened to us today
“We won our last league game on the road and lost in FA Cup, but now we have been held to a draw at home again- such is football.”
Speaking further,coach Greg Ikhenoba expressed the optimism that winning on the road could be possible again. He commended referees for the tremendous improvement in officiating this season and called for sustenance.
On the other hand Coach Salisu Yusuf said he was happy his team got a point in Benin.”This is a vital away point for my team. Our boys have really done well. “Insurance gave us a great match. They are a great side and very competitive,”He said.