Bendel Insurance avenged their first-leg loss to Ikorodu City with a 2-1 victory at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in their Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) clash on Thursday.
Ikorodu City convincingly won the first encounter 3-0 in October and were aiming to replicate that success away from home, seeking to become the first team to achieve a league double over Bendel Insurance this season.
However, Bendel Insurance came into the game with confidence, having lost only one of their last five matches, which propelled them away from the relegation zone as they continued their resurgence under head coach, Greg Ikhenoba. Meanwhile, Ikorodu City aimed to maintain their three-game unbeaten streak in the league.
The first half ended goalless, but the game sprang to life in the second half when Stanley Okorom scored seven minutes after the break to give Bendel Insurance the lead.
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However, Ikorodu City quickly responded with a stunning freekick by Adelani Shola, leveling the scoreline. Both teams then had opportunities to take the lead, but Bendel Insurance eventually capitalized, scoring in the 70th minute through Uche Collins’ goal to regain the lead.
After conceding, Ikorodu City launched a last-ditch effort to salvage a point, but Bendel Insurance remained disciplined in defense to secure all three points.
The win marks significant progress for Bendel Insurance, who were embroiled in a relegation battle just few months ago. They now occupy 11th place with 35 points, three points behind 7th-placed Ikorodu City.
“The Benin Arsenal” will aim to extend their impressive run when they face Bayelsa United on Saturday. Meanwhile, Ikorodu City will seek to bounce back when they host Heartland Owerri on Sunday.
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