NPFL:Late Drama In Benin As Rangers Hold Bendel Insurance To 1–1 Draw
2 min read
By Sportsgister
Bendel Insurance FC’s recent resurgence in the Nigeria Premier Football League suffered a minor setback on Sunday as Rangers International of Enugu snatched a late equaliser to force a 1–1 draw in their Matchday 17 encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
The highly anticipated clash between two NPFL heavyweights lived up to expectations, with both sides cancelling each other out in a goalless first half. Bendel Insurance enjoyed the greater share of possession and looked more composed for large periods, although Rangers threatened intermittently, particularly down the left flank.
The Benin Arsenals’ defence—marshalled by captain Efe Enabulele alongside Promise Itoro and Chigozie Dennis—stood firm to repel the Flying Antelopes’ advances and limit their clear-cut chances.
After the restart, Insurance head coach Kennedy Boboye rang the changes in search of a breakthrough. Elmer Arunta made way for Austin Osayande early in the second half, before a double substitution in the 65th minute saw Promise Anyanwu and Jacob John replace Emmanuel Dung and Emmanuel Akpan.
The tactical switches paid off in the 81st minute when substitute Promise Anyanwu broke the deadlock. The forward calmly finished off a fine move initiated by Kayode Oke, who recovered well after his initial effort was blocked to deliver a low, incisive cross that Anyanwu converted with confidence.
Just as Bendel Insurance looked set to claim all three points, heartbreak struck in stoppage time. In the 93rd minute, Rangers equalised through Chidozie Iwundu, whose powerful free kick took a decisive deflection off Henry Oyian while attempting to block the effort, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
The late setback halted Insurance’s growing momentum following recent positive results, including a 1–0 away win over Katsina United and a commanding 3–0 home victory against Wikki Tourists.
Bendel Insurance now sit 14th on the NPFL table with 20 points. They will travel to Abeokuta to face defending champions Remo Stars in a Matchday 18 fixture at the MKO Abiola Stadium on December 21.
The result also extends Insurance’s struggles against Rangers, with just one win recorded in their last six NPFL meetings (2 draws, 4 losses).
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Coach Kennedy Boboye expressed disappointment over missed chances, lamenting his side’s inability to convert several opportunities despite dominating phases of the game. He, however, reaffirmed his commitment to steering the club to a more comfortable position before the end of the first stanza of the season.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
