Bendel Insurance coverage head coach, Greg Ikhenoba, has expressed reduction and delight after his crew clinched their first victory of the season with a dramatic stoppage-time objective in opposition to Niger Tornadoes within the Nigeria Premier Soccer League (NPFL) Matchday 4 conflict.
The Benin Arsenal, who had endured a tough begin to the marketing campaign — struggling a 2–0 defeat to Elkanemi Warriors, adopted by back-to-back 1–1 attracts in opposition to Capturing Stars Sports activities Membership and newcomers Barau FC lastly broke the jinx on the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Sunday, September 14.
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Emmanuel Israel’s 93rd-minute strike sealed a vital 1–0 win for the hosts.
“A giant due to the boys. All of them performed to directions, fought a great struggle, and I hope that if we proceed this fashion, the sky will likely be our restrict,” Ikhenoba advised reporters on the post-match press convention.
The coach praised his gamers’ resilience, stressing that the match underlined the significance of taking part in till the ultimate whistle.
“Soccer is performed till the referee’s last whistle. I had the arrogance one thing would occur, and I’m comfortable it will definitely got here to be,” he stated.
Ikhenoba additionally supplied health updates on midfielder Alex and goalkeeper Joshua Baba, who missed the tie because of knocks.
“Alex obtained a knock in Maiduguri and is underneath medical consideration, whereas Baba had a thigh sprain earlier than our journey to Kano. In video games like this, it’s good to be 100% match to play. They’re effective, and with time, they are going to return to the squad,” he defined.
Trying forward, the coach assured followers that Insurance coverage stay a piece in progress however promised enhancements because the season advances.
“We maintain making an attempt to enhance on our lapses. By the grace of God, we’ll maintain working arduous, and when the objectives begin coming, everybody will likely be comfortable,” he added.
The victory lifted Bendel Insurance coverage to tenth on the NPFL log with 5 factors, pending completion of different fixtures throughout the nation.
The Benin facet will subsequent face a troublesome away journey in opposition to Enyimba Worldwide in Aba.
