Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin, at the weekend, set another unbeaten run when they played against Lobi Stars at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (formerly Onikan Stadium) in Lagos in one of the match-day one games of the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season-end Super 6.
The match against the Ortom Boys ended goalless and the Benin Arsenal, by that result, extended their unbeaten run to 19 in the current football season.
Recall that Insurance had earlier equalled Akwa Utd’s 18 matches unbeaten record when they were forced to a 1-1 draw at relegated Nasarawa Utd on the last day of the the regular season at the New Jos Stadium in Plateau state.
With the result against Lobi Stars, the Benin Arsenals have reached a new height, setting a new record of 19 unbeaten run to overtake Akwa Utd who held 18 matches unbeaten record in 2020/21 season.
The NPFL championship playoff match, played at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan, Lagos lived up to its billing as both sides sized up themselves, matching each other strength for strength under high intensity with Joseph Atule being the danger man leading the offensives for the Makurdi-based Lobi Stars in the first half.
The Coach Monday Odigie-led Bendel Insurance’s resilience counted throughout the match, credit to the defense network of Sunday Anyanwu, Benjamin Tanimu, Ebuka Akobundu and Julius Emiloju that made Insurance area difficult for the invaders. Insurance stand-in captain and goalkeeper Amas Obasogie was also alive to his responsibility, keeping another clean sheet.
Lobi were however lucky to escape with a point in the pulsating match as Sarki Ismael’s 80th minute close range header went the way of goalkeeper Atsaka Daniel who timely parried the ball off. Moses Tsehuan’s infringement on Adodo Stephens in the 90th minute inside their box would have cost Lobi Stars the match but the center referee urged the match on.
Insurance will be facing Sunshine Stars in their second match of the playoffs on Monday (today) at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium. Time is 7:00 PM.
The Benin Arsenals have been a surprise package this season as they have remained invincible in all competitions, ending the NPFL abridged league group A as leaders with 34 points without losing any match and as well winning all FA cup matches to reach the final, leaving them with a two-way hope of getting continental ticket.
