By our man in Benin
BENIN CITY – Bendel Insurance and Enugu Rangers played out a thrilling, yet ultimately frustrating, 1-1 draw in their Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) clash, but it was the magnificent backdrop of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium that once again stole the show, even if the result left both sets of fans begging for more.
The stadium, a gleaming jewel in the heart of Benin City, was buzzing with an atmosphere that could rival a Premier League six-pointer, proving that the passion for the beautiful game runs deep in this part of the world.
The action on the newly-laid turf saw the home side, Insurance, draw first blood, sending the vociferous crowd wild. But the party didn’t last long, as the visiting Enugu Rangers, known locally as the ‘Flying Antelopes’, pegged them back before the interval.
The second half, played out under the imposing floodlights of the modern arena, became a proper cagey affair. While the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium looked pristine, the football was anything but, with a midfield log-jam leading to more perspiration than inspiration.
Both teams threw the kitchen sink at each other, desperate for a late winner to take full advantage of their home/away efforts, but the goalkeepers held firm.
The final whistle blew on a 1-1 scoreline that did little for either side’s league ambitions. While the football was solid, it was the stunning, atmospheric home of Bendel Insurance that was the true winner on the day, once again showcasing a stadium fit for top-flight action.
