NPFL 23: Bendel Insurance make triumphant start to topflight return at Akwa United

By Wale Mustapha

Bendel Insurance FC announced their return to the apex league in Nigeria in style as they defeated Akwa United 2-0 in the Nigeria Premier Football League opener at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday.

After 3 years, 7 months and 19 days since they last kicked a ball in Nigeria’s top division, Insurance made a memorable return, beating 2021 champions in the opening day of 2022/2023 NPFL Group A opening match in Uyo.

Coach Monday Odigie’s ambition was to fight to remain in the league for more than a season and they began to match their words with actions with a solid squad led by experience goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, Jide Williams, Micah Ojodomo and Osas Okoro.

Both sides made proming start to the contest and went close to opening the scoring, with Akwa United led by captain Ubong Friday dictating most of their moves but Insurance had enough strenght in defense to ward off the threats.

The hosts, however pushed to gain full control of the game before they were stung by the visitors when enterprising forward Imade Osehenkhoe broke the deadlock off a brilliant cross from Divine Nwachukwu in the 39th minute.

Before Akwa could catch their breath, the visitors doubled the lead just seconds from the half time when Sarki Ismael superbly finished off a rebound after Akwa keeper Elkanah Godgift failed to deal with a corner kick in the box.

With two-goals down, Akwa United resumed the second half on high, throwing more men forward in a bid to stage a comeback but the visitors had mapped out a perfect plans to protect their lead, with Obasogie’s fine goalkeeping.

The victory for the newly promoted Insurance, coming at the ground of the title favorites may have sent a strong signal to other clubs about how the season will pan out.

Insurance will return to Benin with the maximum points and gear up for their next game against Plateau United while Akwa will seek to shake off the shocking defeat at home on their trip to Aba against Enyimba.