2026/2027 EuroMatch NPFL Match Day 10: James Strikes Late as Insurance End Rivers United’s Unbeaten Run

Posted : 26 October 2026

Bendel Insurance ended Rivers United’s unbeaten start to the 2026/2027 EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on Sunday.

Substitute Jonathan James proved the match-winner, striking in the 90th minute to secure maximum points for the Benin Arsenals after Rivers United had fought back to level the contest.

The victory also strengthened Insurance’s position in the standings while handing the league leaders their first defeat of the campaign.

Insurance dominated much of the first half but struggled to find a breakthrough against an impressive Rivers United goalkeeper, Clinton Andy.

Andy denied Alex Oweilayefa before producing another fine save to divert Fatai Abdullahi’s close-range effort onto the post in the 37th minute.

The hosts eventually broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half when Freeman Wuchirwe’s long-range effort slipped through Andy’s grasp and crossed the goal line.

Kayode Oke nearly doubled Insurance’s advantage in the 54th minute, but his long-range attempt failed to produce another goal.

Insurance coach Kennedy Boboye introduced James and Suraju Lawal in the 66th minute, replacing Emmanuel Dung and Oke in an attempt to strengthen the attack.

The substitutions almost yielded immediate results, but Lawal’s powerful effort struck the woodwork three minutes later after James had created the opportunity.

Rivers United capitalised on Insurance’s failure to extend their lead when Chijioke Oboama punished a defensive error to beat goalkeeper Joseph Oryia in the 82nd minute.

However, Insurance refused to surrender the initiative, launching a late push that culminated in James’ decisive strike in the 90th minute.

Oweilayefa provided the assist, setting up the substitute to deliver a memorable victory for the home supporters.

Reacting to the defeat, Rivers United coach Finidi George admitted that his side’s unbeaten run could not last indefinitely.

“I knew we would certainly lose and the unbeaten run would end somewhere. It finally ended here in Benin,” he said.

Finidi also praised his players for their efforts and commended Insurance for their fighting spirit.

Boboye, meanwhile, expressed satisfaction with his team’s progress, insisting that Insurance would continue to improve as the season unfolds.

“We will keep pushing. Nothing is impossible. The league is still fresh. We are going to Kwara next weekend, we will see what happens. I am happy, we are getting better,” he said.

The victory takes Bendel Insurance to 15 points from nine matches, with an outstanding fixture against Rangers International of Enugu still to be played.

The Benin-based side will next travel to Ilorin to face Kwara United.

Despite the setback, Rivers United remain top of the table with 17 points from 10 matches, level with Enugu Rangers and Nasarawa United, who occupy second and third positions, respectively.

Insurance’s late winner has therefore ended Rivers United’s unbeaten run without dislodging the Port Harcourt side from the summit.

2026/2027 EuroMatch NPFL Match Day 10: James Strikes Late as Insurance End Rivers United’s Unbeaten Run

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