Bendel Insurance FC produced an outstanding home display at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, thrashing visiting Barau FC 4-1 during their Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 7 fixture. The victory handed the northern side their first defeat of the 2026/27 campaign after six matches without a loss.
Kayode Oke spearheaded the attack for the Benin Arsenal, opening the scoring in the 34th minute before completing his brace in the 70th minute to give the hosts a comfortable 2-0 lead. Barau FC responded in the 73rd minute when Aliu Sugau converted a penalty after a foul by Insurance captain Amas Obasogie.
Bendel Insurance quickly snuffed out any hopes of a comeback, as Suraju Lawal restored the two goal cushion in the 85th minute. Deep into stoppage time, Jonathan James capped off the masterclass by scoring in the 94th minute to secure the maximum three points.
The clinical performance elevated Bendel Insurance to fifth position on the NPFL table with 12 points, reigniting their momentum following earlier road setbacks. The impressive home triumph delivered the exact response management demanded heading into the high stakes Matchday 7 clash.
Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, praised the team through his media aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko, commending the squad’s determination, tactical discipline, and fighting spirit. Enabulele charged the players to maintain their current focus and remain committed to finishing at the top of the NPFL standings.
Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, addressed the players post match, applauding their team cohesion and seamless execution on the pitch. Idahosa assured the club of total backing from Governor Monday Okpebholo as the team pursues domestic silverware this season.
The high profile encounter attracted key sports administrators and political leaders, including Bendel Insurance FC Chairman Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, former Edo State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Osamwonyi Evbaguehita Atu, and Commissioner for Oil and Gas Prof. Ignatius Ikponmwosa Omorodion.
By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed
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