Bendel Insurance on Sunday defeated relegation-threatened Heartland FC 1-0 in Match Day 37, which was their last home match of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2024/25 season.
Chinedu Onyejiekwe scored the only goal of the match in the 50th minute, helping the Benin Arsenals finish strong in front of their home fans at the famous Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.
It was Chinedu's first NPFL goal, and his debut Premier League goal came at the right time while Insurance's goal poacher, Kayode, was serving a red card suspension.
Kayode was shown a red card in the match against Plateau United, which kept him out of action for the two home fixtures.
Insurance FC entered the game against Heartland FC with the confidence from their last home match's 1-0 victory over Akwa United, ending their double home games with victories after previously suffering two home draws.
Heartland FC, however, came out of their shell in the second half with several shots on target, but they had to contend with Insurance's youngest goalkeeper, Joshua Baba, whose safe gloves denied the Warriors clear chances to equalize.
The Benin Arsenals now have 56 points, moving up to 5th position on the league table, tied on points with Ikorodu City, who are 4th on the table due to superior goal difference.
Bendel Insurance drew 1-1 with Heartland FC in their first-round clash in Owerri.
The Benin Arsenals will play their last match of the season against already relegated Lobi Stars in the Match Day 38 fixture in Enugu on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
Speaking during the post-match interview, Bendel Insurance FC Head Coach Greg Ikhenoba expressed his appreciation for finishing well in a season that initially seemed difficult for them in the first round, before their turnaround towards the end of that period.
"I'm happy we are not among those battling relegation. Thank God for the goal and the ability to hold on to it until the end.
"We will take the last game in Enugu and see what happens. I really appreciate the players, our fans, and the supporters' club for their support throughout the season.
"They didn't lose hope; they stood by us the whole way." he said.
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