By EDWARD OSEGHE
Bendel Insurance FC maintained their perfect start at the 2025 Bayelsa Preseason Football Tournament with a commanding 4–0 victory over newly promoted Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri in their second Group B fixture on Monday.
New signing Alex Oweilayefa opened the scoring for the Benin Arsenals in the 28th minute, before central defender Promise Itoro doubled the lead six minutes later with a fine header.
The relentless Insurance attack struck again in the 40th minute when Kayode Oke unleashed a clinical 22-yard strike, sending his side into the halftime break with a 3–0 advantage.
Coach Greg Ikhenoba’s tactical adjustments in the second half paid off as another new arrival, Isaac Omijie, sealed the emphatic win just four minutes after the restart.
The victory places Bendel Insurance at the top of Group B, following their earlier 2–0 win over tournament hosts Bayelsa United in their opening game. The team will enjoy a rest day on Tuesday as Bayelsa United face Kun Khalifat in the group’s final fixture.
Speaking after the match, Coach Ikhenoba praised his side’s performance but stressed that the preseason focus remained on team cohesion rather than scorelines.
“Yes, it’s a preseason tournament where the emphasis is on how the team plays together. The goals are good, but what matters more is understanding each other before the league begins.
“We brought many players here, and we will continue to work hard. Those yet to feature will have their chance in the next match — that’s the essence of this platform,” he said.
