Enyimba Amas crucial three points against Bendel Insurance to leave relegation zone

The return of Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie was not enough to save Bendel Insurance following a thrilling encounter against Enyimba in Aba.

Enyimba defeated Bendel Insurance 2-1 thanks to a brilliant second-half display, with goals from Joseph Atule and a Julius Emiloju own goal giving the home side a decisive win in the rescheduled matchday one fixture on Wednesday. 

Originally scheduled for the first day of the new NPFL season, this encounter was postponed due to Bendel Insurance’s continental duty in the CAFCC. 

However, both sides finally got to settle the scores at the Aba Township Stadium, with the defending champions emerging victorious. 

After a dull opening first half, the match finally came to life in the second half with summer signing, Joseph Atule, and Amas having a one-on-one duel. 

The newly invited Super Eagles goalkeeper started in goal for the Benin Arsenal after his first international call-up saw him miss the four-goal thriller against Kwara United at the weekend.

However, despite denying Atule a couple of times with some lovely saves, the former Lobi Stars man finally breached the talented goalkeeper in the 71st minute to give the People’s Elephant the lead.

But the lead only lasted four minutes before a miscommunication in the Enyimba defence gifted the visitors a lifeline, with Ismael Seriki making their host pay with the equaliser off a pass from Obasogie. 

NPFL champions, Enyimba, would have the last laugh in the end as Mbaoma Chijioke forced Emiloju into an own goal which proved to be the difference in the end.

For the People’s Elephant, the win against Bendel sees them register two crucial wins that have now taken them far away from the danger zone.

Finidi George’s Enyimba started the game 16th on the table but have now moved eight places to eighth.

For Bendel Insurance, Obasogie’s return did not stop them from conceding another two goals in the NPFL, after letting in two at home in his absence.

Insurance are now without a win in their last four matches, having drawn three and lost one.