Bendel Insurance bounced back to winning ways with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Abia Warriors in their NPFL Matchday 34 clash at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Saturday.
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Chinedu Nwosu proved to be the difference-maker, netting the decisive goal in the 62nd minute to hand the “Benin Arsenal” a crucial three points in their push for a continental ticket.
The win marks a strong response from Bendel Insurance, who had struggled in recent outings—recording just one point from their previous two matches, including a 2–2 draw against Plateau United and a heavy 4–0 defeat to Kano Pillars.
Amid recent disciplinary concerns, the Benin-based side showed resilience and focus, even as the match was played behind closed doors.
The team delivered a composed performance to keep their ambitions alive in the league’s top-four race.
Before the encounter, Abia Warriors occupied fourth position with 52 points, while Bendel Insurance sat seventh with 49 points.
The victory narrows the gap and significantly boosts Insurance’s hopes of climbing higher on the table.
The result also shifts the head-to-head momentum between both sides.
Their last meeting in November 2025 ended goalless, while Abia Warriors had previously secured a 1–0 away win in Benin earlier in the campaign.
Bendel Insurance will now look to build on this momentum as the Nigeria Premier Football League season approaches its decisive stages, while Abia Warriors must regroup quickly to keep their continental aspirations on track.
