By our man in Benin
BENIN CITY – The roof almost came off the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City yesterday as a stunning late-game comeback saw Enugu Rangers pinch a point against their fierce rivals, Bendel Insurance.
Insurance, who treat their home turf like a hallowed fortress, looked certain to bag all three points in this thrilling NPFL encounter.
The legendary Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, a venue steeped in Nigerian football history and renowned for its intimidating atmosphere, was rocking after home hero P. Anyanwu fired the Benin Arsenals into a late lead in the 81st minute.
The crowd, which packed the stands of the 12,000-capacity arena, had already started their celebrations.
The home ground had once again served as a psychological 12th man, keeping Rangers at bay for the majority of the second half.
However, the Flying Antelopes of Enugu refused to surrender, mounting a desperate late assault on the Insurance goal. The visitors’ relentless pressure paid off in the dying embers of the match.
Deep into stoppage time (90+3 minutes), C. Iwundu silenced the deafening home support with a spectacular equaliser, ensuring the spoils were shared.
The strike felt like a dagger to the heart of every Insurance fan in the Ogbemudia Stadium. What promised to be a triumphant night at their spiritual home turned into a frustrating draw, with Rangers walking away with a valuable away point snatched from the very jaws of defeat.
For Rangers, leaving the notoriously difficult Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium with anything is a massive result.
The dramatic 1-1 finish marks another chapter in the storied rivalry between the two Nigerian giants, proving that no lead is safe, even at the mighty Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.