Bendel Insurance FC secured an important 1-0 victory over Sunshine Stars of Akure in their Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL Matchday 30 fixture at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.
The hero of the match was Kayode Oke Solomon, who found the net in the 20th minute with a stunning long-range curler that nestled into the far corner, sparking wild celebrations from the home supporters. His superb performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
The win sees Bendel Insurance climb to fifth place on the NPFL table with 44 points, completing a season double over Sunshine Stars after winning 2-1 in the first-round meeting.
Attention now turns to their Matchday 31 clash against Kano Pillars, where the Benin Arsenals will be seeking revenge for a 1-0 home defeat suffered earlier this season.
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Speaking after the match, head coach Greg Ikhenoba praised his players for holding firm despite signs of fatigue. “I thank God for the three points; that was our plan. Some of my boys were fatigued due to our busy schedule — playing multiple games and travelling long distances. They deserve commendation for their resilience,” Ikhenoba said.
Adding to the celebrations, Ikhenoba was recently named NPFL Manager of the Month for February 2025, after leading the team from the bottom of the table to fifth place. He dedicated the award to the club’s management, fans, and supporters, acknowledging their continuous belief in the team.
With momentum on their side, Bendel Insurance will aim to continue their upward trajectory against Kano Pillars.
Editorial
We’re inspired by Bendel Insurance’s resurgence and resilience this season. Kayode Oke’s stunning strike was a moment of brilliance that not only won the match but lifted spirits across Benin. Such moments remind us of the magic football can produce when talent, confidence, and opportunity collide.
Under Greg Ikhenoba’s leadership, Bendel Insurance has transformed from struggling to secure results to climbing into the top five. This turnaround highlights the power of belief and persistence, especially in a league as demanding as the NPFL. The coach’s acknowledgement of player fatigue reflects a deeper understanding of the demands his players face, and his praise for their determination is well deserved.
The upcoming fixture against Kano Pillars will be another test of character. Revenge, however, should not be the only motivation consistency and focus are what will take this team even higher. If they continue on this path, there’s every chance Bendel Insurance could finish the season with more than just strong league positioning; they could become one of the standout stories of the campaign.
We hope this victory and the manager’s recognition inspire the entire squad to push harder. The fans deserve memorable moments, and the team is well on its way to delivering just that.
Did You Know?
- Bendel Insurance FC were Nigerian FA Cup champions in 1978 and 1980.
- Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was refurbished in 2019 and hosted matches during the 2020 National Sports Festival.
- Kano Pillars have won the NPFL title four times, making them one of Nigeria’s most successful clubs.
- Kayode Oke Solomon is a youth product of the Bendel Insurance Academy system.
- Greg Ikhenoba previously worked as an assistant coach at Remo Stars before joining Bendel Insurance.
