Oweiyalefa Header Secures Bendel Insurance Victory over Ikorodu City

Bendel Insurance FC secured a 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City FC in a Match-day 5 game of the EUROMATCH Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The match took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Wednesday evening. Despite controlling the first half, Bendel failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Jonathan James Mariga, Alex Oweiyalefa, and Chinedu Nwosu all came close to scoring.

At halftime, coach Kennedy Boboye made two changes, bringing on Emmanuel Dung and Gabriel Ugochukwu. These substitutions injected energy into Bendel's attack. Emmanuel Dung's pace from the left flank troubled Ikorodu City's defense, leading to a penalty in the 48th minute. Chinedu Nwosu converted the penalty, giving Bendel Insurance the lead.

Nwosu missed a chance to increase the advantage in the 65th minute after Fatai Abdullahi presented him with a goal-scoring opportunity. Ikorodu City leveled the score in the 80th minute when captain Farouk Salami outwitted goalkeeper Amas Obasogie and finished past the goalkeeper. Bendel Insurance responded in the 84th minute, with Oweiyalefa heading in Terdoo Shimangade's cross to restore the hosts' lead.

Coach Kennedy Boboye, dissatisfied with his team's performance, made further substitutions, including replacing Nwosu with Wisdom Udom in the 86th minute. Bendel Insurance managed the closing stages effectively and secured the 2-1 victory. This win moves Bendel Insurance up to fourth place on the NPFL table with 9 points after five matches. The Benin Arsenals will face Abia Warriors in a Matchday 6 fixture at the Aba Township Stadium.