By Our Football Correspondent in
Benin City
FOOTBALL fans in Benin were treated to a Sunday afternoon sizzler as Bendel Insurance outlasted El Kanemi Warriors in a breathless 3-2 classic at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
In a match that had more twists than a West End thriller, it was the star quality of Solomon Kayode that ultimately shone brightest.
The Insurance talisman proved to be the difference-maker, bagging a vital brace to ensure the Benin Arsenals walked away with all three points in this NPFL Matchday 21 encounter.
The drama started late in a cagey first half when Kayode found the net in the 45th minute, only for the Warriors to strike back instantly to leave the scores level at the break. However, the second half belonged to the hosts.
Henry Oyian rose highest in the 53rd minute to power home a header, restoring the Insurance lead and sending the home crowd into a frenzy. But the night belonged to Kayode.
Just ten minutes later, he showed clinical composure to finish off a brilliant free-kick delivery from Yazid Adamu, slotting home his second of the game to make it 3-1.
The Warriors didn’t go down without a fight, clawing one back in the dying moments to set up a nervous finale, but the Insurance defense held firm.
Match Stars:
Solomon Kayode (Bendel Insurance): The undisputed Man of the Match. Two goals, relentless energy, and the clinical edge that El Kanemi simply couldn’t handle.
Henry Oyian (Bendel Insurance): A rock at the back who proved his worth in the opposition box with a towering header.
Yazid Adamu (Bendel Insurance): The architect in midfield, providing the pinpoint assist for the winning goal.
The result sees Kennedy Boboye’s men continue their climb up the table, while the Warriors are left to rue what might have been after a spirited display on the road.
