We traveled to Edo to face Bendel Insurance in a MD26 fixture of the NPFL25, looking to successfully do the double over the Benin side but we fell to a 2-1 unlucky defeat.
LINEUP: Faith James; Nasiru Suleiman, Leonard Ngenge, Chibuike Oheagbulam, Freedom Marvelous; Olatunji Abdulmalik, Onwe Kelechi, Moses Shodeinde; Shola Adelani, Ajeyigbe Toyeeb, & Okechukwu Nwanna.
We started the game somewhat shaky and under so much pressure trying to settle in as Bendel Insurance had us caged in our half for most of the opening twenty minutes with numerous free kicks around the area but the defense stood resolutely.
James was called to action a couple of times, first making a save off a dangerous cross into the area and then cutting out a quick counter attack as we saw the first half out goalless.
The second half was much stronger for the lads as we began to push and play better. However, it was Bendel Insurance who went in front off the run of play after Stanley Okorom hit a low drive past James in goal in the 52nd minute.
Two minutes later, Shola Adelani brought us level, extending his league goal tally to eight goals this season. The forward bent a stunning freekick past the wall and goalkeeper to level the game.
Harrison Austin and Gideon Manasseh joined the fray as well as Ayomide Cole and academy defender Chiemerie Ezeaka for his senior debut.
The home side went in front for the second time in the game in the 70th minute with a pass beating the defense and leaving Uche Collins alone with James.
We fought back to find an equalizer. Making his debut, striker Okechukwu had his header saved before Shola’s cutback to Cole was stopped as the time ran out with us falling to a defeat.
UP NEXT
We welcome Heartland FC of Owerri on MD27 back at home under the lights by 5:30 and looking to get back to winning ways in the league.
SUBSTITUTIONS
OUT: Toyeeb Ajeyigbe IN: Oladimeji Dada 45+1’
OUT: Chibuike Oheagbulam IN: Harrison Austin 65’
OUT: Moses Shodeinde IN: Gideon Manasseh 65’
OUT: Leonard Ngenge IN: Chiemerie Ezeaka 84’
OUT: Gideon Manasseh IN: Ayomide Cole 84’