Shooting Stars score twice late to edge Bendel Insurance in NPFL thriller

Shooting Stars scored in the 84th and 92nd minutes to defeat Bendel Insurance 2-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Friday, ending the visitors’ hopes of taking a point from their Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 13 fixture.

Bendel Insurance had appeared set to secure a valuable away draw after producing a disciplined defensive display for most of the match. The Benin Arsenals frustrated the Oluyole Warriors and restricted the hosts’ opportunities in attack.

Neither side managed to break the deadlock before half-time. Bendel Insurance remained organised at the back as Shooting Stars struggled to create a clear opening, sending the teams into the interval level at 0-0.

The visitors continued to withstand pressure after the restart and looked increasingly capable of leaving Ibadan with a share of the points. Shooting Stars were unable to find a way through Bendel Insurance’s defensive structure until the closing stages.

Late goals decide contest

The breakthrough finally arrived six minutes from the end of normal time. Olakunle Akala struck from more than 25 yards with an impressive effort to put Shooting Stars ahead and spark celebrations among the home supporters.

The hosts then doubled their lead in the second minute of added time. Qamar Adegoke took advantage of a defensive lapse after Bendel Insurance defender Gabriel Lekan was injured and lying on the pitch.

Bendel Insurance responded immediately by committing players forward in search of a way back into the match. Alex Oweilayefa provided a late consolation when he calmly finished during the closing moments of the six minutes added on.

There was not enough time for the visitors to find an equaliser, however, and Shooting Stars held on to claim a 2-1 victory.

The result leaves Bendel Insurance with 21 points from 13 matches. Kennedy Boboye’s side must now prepare for their next league fixture against Doma United as they look to recover from the disappointment in Ibadan.

Doma United will visit Benin City for the Matchday 14 meeting on Sunday, November 22. Bendel Insurance will be seeking a return to winning ways in front of their home supporters and maximum points from the encounter.

The defeat represents a setback for the Benin-based club, who had worked hard to contain Shooting Stars for much of the game before conceding twice in the closing stages. Their late response through Oweilayefa was ultimately insufficient to alter the result.