Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has congratulated Bendel Insurance FC following the team’s emphatic 4-1 victory over FC Barau in Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 7 encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
The victory saw the Benin Arsenal hand Barau FC their first defeat of the 2026/27 NPFL season after six matches, as Bendel Insurance produced an impressive performance to secure another vital home victory.
Kayode Oke opened the scoring for Bendel Insurance in the 34th minute before completing his brace in the 70th minute to give the hosts a commanding 2-0 lead.
Barau FC briefly reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute when Aliu Sugau converted from the penalty spot following an infringement by Bendel Insurance captain, Amas Obasogie.
Insurance responded strongly as Suraju Lawal restored the two-goal advantage in the 85th minute before Jonathan James completed the scoring deep into stoppage time, netting in the 90+4th minute to seal the 4-1 victory.
The result lifted Bendel Insurance to fifth position on the NPFL table with 12 points, as the Benin Arsenal continue to build momentum in the league campaign.
Reacting to the victory through his Media Aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele congratulated the players, technical crew and management of Bendel Insurance for the impressive result, while commending the team’s determination, cohesion and fighting spirit throughout the encounter.
“The players need to sustain this momentum, remain focused and continue working collectively towards achieving the club’s target for the season.
“I also call on our teeming supporters to maintain their unwavering support for the team. The backing of the fans remains a vital part of the club’s campaign,” Enabulele said.
Enabulele described the victory as impressive and charged the players to remain focused on their ambition of finishing at the top of the NPFL table.
“Today’s victory is very impressive, and I charge the players to remain focused on finishing at the top of the NPFL table,” he maintained.
Meanwhile, Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who addressed the team after the match, applauded the players for their cohesion, teamwork and smooth display.
Idahosa assured the team of the unwavering support of Governor Monday Okpebholo, while urging the players to remain committed to their pursuit of success in the league.
Among the dignitaries who witnessed the encounter were the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Chairman of Bendel Insurance FC, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe; former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Osamwonyi Evbaguehita Atu; and Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prof. Ignatius Ikponmwosa Omorodion.
The victory further boosts Bendel Insurance’s campaign as the NPFL season progresses, with the Benin Arsenal expected to build on the result in their subsequent fixtures.
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