2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 36: Late Oweifaleya header lifts Bendel Insurance past Katsina United

Posted : 05 May 2026

Bendel Insurance FC left it late to secure a crucial 1-0 victory over Katsina United in their rescheduled 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 36 encounter, reinforcing their push for a top-four finish.

The encounter, played at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, was decided by a moment of quality in the closing stages, with Alex Oweifaleya rising highest to nod home the winner in the 87th minute.

His ninth goal of the season not only sealed all three points but also underlined his growing importance to the Benin Arsenals’ attacking setup.

Originally halted on Sunday after 62 minutes due to a heavy downpour, the game resumed on Monday morning with both sides showing renewed urgency. Bendel Insurance, buoyed by home support, took control of proceedings and piled pressure on the visitors as the match wore on.

The breakthrough eventually came from a well-worked set piece. Emmanuel Akpan whipped in a precise corner, and Oweifaleya timed his run to perfection, guiding a composed header past the Katsina United goalkeeper to break the deadlock.

Katsina United had earlier shown resilience, keeping their hosts at bay for much of the contest.

However, their task became significantly harder in the 74th minute when midfielder Richard Christopher was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leaving the visitors to finish the game with ten men.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Katsina United battled hard, but Bendel Insurance’s persistence ultimately paid off as they completed a season double over their opponents, having also edged the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier in the campaign.

The victory sees Bendel Insurance climb to fourth place on the NPFL table with 55 points, strengthening their ambitions for a continental slot.

Attention now turns to a high-stakes clash against table-toppers Rangers International in Enugu, where the Benin side will look to further cement their credentials in the race for the top positions.

This hard-fought win highlights the resilience of the Benin Arsenals in navigating difficult weather conditions and a stubborn opponent. As the season nears its conclusion, maintaining this momentum will be vital for their goal of securing a place in continental competition.

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 36: Late Oweifaleya header lifts Bendel Insurance past Katsina United

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