2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 34: Enaruna rescues Bendel Insurance

Posted : 23 April 2025

Bendel Insurance forward Michael Enaruna has proven once again that he still has a lot to offer his home club as he came off the bench to rescue a point for his side against Nasarawa United in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League match-day 34 clash at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

The Benin Arsenal, against the expectations of the home fans, were trailing the visiting Solid Miners in the match after a breakthrough goal scored by Abubakar Garba in the 42nd minute of the encounter in Benin.

The visitors showed resilience and determination as they aimed to capitalize on the noticeable weaknesses in the Bendel Insurance side, who have now dropped four points at home in two consecutive games.

Coach Greg Ikhenoba had to make the necessary change by introducing Enaruna in place of Moses Ajiboye at the start of the second half.

Michael Enaruna made his presence felt as his brilliance and speed in attack paid off in the 74th minute, when his close-range strike gave Insurance FC the much-needed equalizer at the famous Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Insurance continued to mount pressure, but all efforts to secure the maximum points did not yield the desired results, as both sides shared the spoils, thanks to substitute Michael Enaruna.

Recall that Nasarawa United defeated Bendel Insurance 2-1 in their first-round meeting in Lafia. It was supposed to be a payback time for Insurance, who had the chance to secure a third-place finish.

The second home draw result has kept the Benin Arsenals in fifth position with 50 points, 3 points behind 4th and 3rd-placed Abia Warriors and Ikorodu City.

Bendel Insurance FC will be guests to Plateau United in Match Day 35 on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Kickoff time is 4:00 PM.

Speaking during the post-match interview, the Head Coach of Bendel Insurance FC, Greg Ikhenoba, said that the outcome was not the result he expected to get, stating that as the league gets tougher and closer to its conclusion, there are bound to be surprises.

"This is not what we bargained for, but sometimes you lose, sometimes you win, and sometimes you draw. That is what has happened to us today.

"We won our last league game on the road, lost in the FA Cup, but now we've been held to a draw at home again – such is football."

Speaking further, Coach Greg Ikhenoba expressed optimism that winning on the road could be possible again. He commended the referees for the tremendous improvement in officiating this season and called for its sustenance.

On the other hand, Coach Salisu Yusuf said he was happy his team got a point in Benin. "This is a vital away point for my team. Our boys have really done well. Insurance gave us a great match. They are a great side and very competitive," he said.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 34: Enaruna rescues Bendel Insurance

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