Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin have been dragged to a 1-1 draw by the Pride of Rivers in the Match Day 16 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, played at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Portharcourt.
Chisom Okereke put Insurance in front after hitting the back of the net of Rivers Utd in the 21st minute of play to open his goal account for Insurance FC since joining the Benin Arsenals on loan from Enyimba FC this season.
Chisom Okereke pounced on a loose ball in Rivers area, following a fine line breaking pass by Paul Obata from the left flank and wasted no time in putting the ball into the net to upset their host.
The Benin Arsenals defensive blunder in the 38th minute of play however gave room for the host to come from behind to level up and restored their pride before the half time whistle.
The Pride of Rivers got their equalizer through their captain Nyima Nwagua in the 38 minutes of play.
Both teams returned to the field for the remaining half having already sized up themselves, with Coach Monday Odigie making quick substitution to strengthen his midfield with mercurial Divine Nwachukwu who came in for Zaidu Ayuba.
Nwachukwu’s introduction proved positive as his immediate impact brought inspiration to the team, making him, indeed the missing rib in Insurance FC midfield.
The Benin Arsenals now have 24 points and occupy 7th position on the log after posting six wins; six draws and four loses in the sixteen games so far played this season.
Insurance will be returning to Benin with head up high after ending the year on a positive note in Rivers. They will be host to Rangers International of Enugu on Saturday, January 6,2024.
In a post match interview, the head coach and Technical Director of Bendel Insurance FC Monday Odigie praised his boys for coming out strong against Rivers Utd. ” I want to thank the boys for their great performance.
“We played against a team playing on the continent. They one of the best in the country. “, Odigie said, adding that there is still a lot of work to be done in his team, moving forward.