2025/2026 NPFL Matchday 1 Review: El-Kanemi Warriors Defeat Bendel Insurance 2-0 in Maiduguri

Posted : 26 August 2025

As the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season kicked off, El-Kanemi Warriors recorded a 2-0 victory over visiting Bendel Insurance FC at the El-Kanemi Stadium in Maiduguri.

The match started with the hosts pressing for an early goal, but Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Joshua Baba, backed by defender Promise Itoro, kept El-Kanemi Warriors forward Mas’ud Danjuma at bay, ensuring the first half ended goalless.

The deadlock was broken shortly after the second half began when a handball by Israel Odedele in the box led to a penalty for the home side in the 48th minute. Al-Amin Umar stepped up and calmly converted, giving El-Kanemi the lead.

The Warriors doubled their advantage in the 65th minute through Daddy Abdulrahman, who capitalized on a lapse in the Bendel Insurance defense, leaving Henry Onyia and Promise Itoro unchallenged as they anticipated an offside call.

In a bid to turn the game around, Bendel Insurance coach Greg Ikhenoba made three substitutions between the 70th and 75th minutes, introducing Tobi Iyanda and Onochie Chukwu for Ibrorie Idiebiru and Isaac Omijie, and later bringing Elmer Arunta on for Osayande Austin. Despite the fresh legs, the visitors struggled to break through, even after El-Kanemi were reduced to 10 men following the sending off of captain Zayad Musa for a dangerous tackle on Odedele Israel in the 72nd minute. The Warriors held firm to secure the win.

Bendel Insurance will host Shooting Stars of Ibadan in Matchday 2 next weekend.

In his post-match comments, Bendel Insurance coach Greg Ikhenoba congratulated El-Kanemi Warriors coach Kabiru Dogo on a deserved victory.

“They played very well, they are a good side, and they deserved the win. We will go back and work on the areas that need improvement. We are determined to bounce back. The league has just started, and everything is still fresh. I was impressed with the officiating—fair game,” Ikhenoba said.

Meanwhile, El-Kanemi coach Kabiru Dogo celebrated a strong start to the season, emphasizing the importance of performing in front of the home fans:

“Let me congratulate our team for a job well done. Winning our first match of the season in front of our fans is a great start. I dedicate this victory to the home supporters who came out in large numbers to cheer us on,” Dogo remarked.

2025/2026 NPFL Matchday 1 Review: El-Kanemi Warriors Defeat Bendel Insurance 2-0 in Maiduguri

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