…Enabulele Hails Team’s Dominant Performance
By Edward Oseghe
Bendel Insurance FC registered their most commanding victory of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season on Saturday, defeating Wikki Tourists of Bauchi 3–0 in a decisive Matchday 15 fixture at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
The Benin Arsenals got off to a flying start when Chinedu Nwosu struck in the 14th minute, finishing off a well-worked move that set the tone for a vibrant first-half display. Insurance maintained control and tactical discipline, heading into the break with the slim but deserved advantage.
Head coach Kennedy Boboye wasted no time fine-tuning his strategy at halftime, introducing Nnamdi Anthony and Onyeuche Ujunwa for Adamu Yazid and Israel Emmanuel. The changes proved instant masterstrokes. Barely two minutes into the restart, winger Emmanuel Dung doubled Insurance’s lead, expertly finishing a precise through pass from substitute Ujunwa.
In the 58th minute, the hosts sealed the win through in-form forward Emmanuel Akpan, who pounced after a defensive mix-up from Wikki Tourists to fire home Insurance’s third. The goal, coming from Henry Onyian’s long throw and a weak clearance, marked Akpan’s second strike in as many matches.
Fresh from a goalless away draw against Abia Warriors on November 23, the emphatic win marks Insurance’s third full set of points this campaign and reflects a steady recovery after a difficult start to the season. The result lifts the Benin-based side out of the relegation zone into 16th position with 16 points, just behind Enyimba FC.
Speaking at the post-match briefing, Coach Boboye praised his players for executing the game plan effectively.
” We have played good football against some teams that are not as tactical as Wikki yet we couldn’t convert chances. If we had converted our chances against Abia Warriors,we would have returned with 3 points.
I am happy that we got it right, especially playing against a coach that knows what he is doing as Maikaba,” he said.
Wikki Tourists’ coach, Abdul Maikaba, commendably accepted defeat and congratulated Boboye, attributing the wide margin to the absence of several key players due to injury.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, lauded Bendel Insurance for what he described as a “resounding and morale-boosting victory.”
In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele said the performance showcased “resilience, renewed confidence, and the traditional fighting spirit of the Benin Arsenals.”
He noted that the win was timely and symbolic, providing the lift the team needed to push further up the NPFL table.
“This win sends a strong message that Bendel Insurance remains a force in the NPFL. The boys played with purpose, hunger, and unity, and I am confident that this is the beginning of a positive turnaround,” Enabulele stated.
The ESSC boss also praised the tactical discipline of the squad, the expertise of Coach Boboye, and the unwavering support of Edo football fans.
“Our supporters deserve credit for standing by the team. Their energy, songs, and presence lifted the boys. Bendel Insurance belongs to the people, and today’s performance reflects the unity between the team and its supporters,” he said.
Enabulele reassured fans that the Sports Commission remains committed to fully backing the team.
“We will continue to give Bendel Insurance every resource and encouragement needed to keep winning. Today’s victory must be a stepping stone—not an exception. The team has what it takes to rise steadily up the table,” he added.
Club Chairman, Chief Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, was present in the stands, further boosting the players’ morale throughout the encounter.
Bendel Insurance will next travel to face Katsina United in a Matchday 16 clash, as they seek to build on Saturday’s momentum.
