The battle between the two teams with a perfect record in the new Nigeria Premier Football League season ended in a 3-0 defeat for Remo Stars at the hands of newly-promoted Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Insurance began the game strong, as they have done in their three previous matches, as Osarenkhoe Imade continued his scintillating form in front of goal to give them the lead with his fourth goal of the NPFL season.
The Benin Arsenals kept piling the pressure on the visitors, and it paid off again in the 25th minute. Ismael Sarki got Bendel’s second of the game and his third of the season to put them comfortably in the lead.
Remo almost reduced the deficit in first half stoppage time, but goalkeeper Amas Obasogie denied Okon Anekeme’s header.
The tide shifted when the second half began, with the Sky Blue Stars pushing for their first goal of the game, but they were unable to break Bendel’s resilient defence.
Imade came close to putting the tie to bed and doubling his tally, but his rebound from Deputy Echeta’s shot could only hit the crossbar.
Monday Odigie’s team began to gain more confidence in their pursuit of a third goal. Kayode Bankole, Remo’s goalkeeper, made a spectacular save to deflect Divine Nwachukwu’s freekick to the post.
Shortly after, Nwachukwu and Austin Ogunye combined to send the Benin fans into loud jubilation as the latter’s strike beats Bankole for Bendel’s third of the match.
Andy Okpe was close to registering a consolation goal for Remo Stars, but his effort hit the woodwork, to seal their first defeat of the season and the first time they had conceded a goal this season.
Bendel Insurance continued their solid home record of 13 straight wins, a record that began from the Nigeria National League. They also maintained their perfect start to the season, winning four games in a row, scoring eight goals and conceding just one, to lead Group A of the abridged NPFL league standings with 12 points.
At the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, defending champions Rivers United sealed a 2-1 comeback win over Dakkada FC away from home.
Isaac George put Dakkada in front in the 16th minute, but two goals within twelve minutes ensured United returned to winning ways.
Nyima Nwagua equalised on the 35th minute, and Naibe Akpesiri completed the comeback thanks to Ghana’s Paul Acquah’s second assist of the game.
