Bendel Insurance made a bold statement to return to the Nigerian Premier Football League with a comfortable 2-0 win over Akwa United in the 2022/23 season opener at Uyo’s Nest of Champions.
After a tepid start to the match, Imade Osarenkhoe put Insurance ahead in the 40th minute before Divine Nwachukwu doubled the Benin Arsenal’s lead just before half-time.
The hosts decided the pace for the second half looking for a way back into the game in front of their worried fans, but Bendel Insurance held on to record a famous victory on their first game back in top flight football. The game, which aired on TV, was Bendel Insurance’s first in the NPFL since 2019.
Bendel Insurance manager Monday Odigie believed his team seized their chance despite constant pressure from the hosts but Akwa United’s Deji Ayeni was left ruing his players’ mistakes.