Boboye demands defensive improvement as Bendel Insurance chase third NPFL title

Bendel Insurance manager Kennedy Boboye says his side must stop conceding in every match if they are to challenge for the 2026/2027 EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title.

Boboye was speaking after Bendel Insurance ended Rivers United’s unbeaten start to the season with a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Sunday.

Freeman Wuchirwe put the home side ahead in the 48th minute, shortly after half-time, but Rivers United forward Chijioke Mbaoma equalised in the 73rd minute.

With Finidi George’s team appearing set to leave with a point, Jonathan James scored late to secure all three points for the Benin Arsenal in the South-South derby.

The result took Bendel Insurance’s league goals tally to 16. However, Mbaoma’s equaliser was the 14th goal they have conceded in 10 matches, a record that continues to trouble their manager.

“It’s been something that has been very worrisome for us because we cannot be conceding goals in every match we play. Every game we play, we concede,” Boboye said.

“I think we should try to make amends to ensure we get a balance in our defence because that has been our problem.

“Of course, it’s a two-way thing. If the strikers don’t score, it’s a problem. If the defenders don’t defend well and concede, it’s also a problem. So, we’ll work on it to get a balance.”

Boboye targets a third league crown

Despite those defensive concerns, Boboye believes Bendel Insurance can compete for the NPFL title and win the league for a third time.

The Benin-based club were champions in 1972 and 1979, with their second title coming in the year the competition was first played on a home-and-away basis. They have not won the league since 1979.

Asked if the club could end that wait, Boboye said the objective remained realistic.

“Definitely, it’s doable. It’s very, very possible. It’s just that we need to get something in our next game away to Kwara United. If we get points at Kwara United and come back home and get the points, we’ll be there.

“I know that by the time we get into the top two on the league table, we’ll start looking ahead,” he said.

Bendel Insurance have won all of their home matches but have lost each of their five away games this season. Boboye partly attributed that inconsistency to the number of new players in the squad.

He believes improvement will come with time, but says collecting maximum points at home remains the immediate priority.

“We’ve just played the 10th game of the league. With time, definitely, we’ll get a win somewhere away from home,” he said.

“But all we need to do now is think about our three points at home first. That’s our target.”

Bendel Insurance’s next league match is away to Kwara United, where they will attempt to improve their road record while sustaining their title challenge.