Bendel Insurance maintained their unbeaten record in the 2022/23 abridged Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after defeating visiting Remo Stars 3-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Match Day four.
The ‘Benin Arsenal’ got off to a brilliant start when Imade Osarenkhoe, who is now the joint top scorer, opened the goal in the fifth minute, becoming the first player this season to score against Remo Stars. Prior to this encounter, the Blue Sky were the only side in the NPFL to concede a goal.
With the goal as motivation, the hosts kept the pressure on the Remo defense and came close to scoring three times, but were not clinical enough.
Sarki Ismael made amends for the missed in the 25th minute to extend his team’s lead and ensuring the first half finished 2-0.
At the start of the second half, Remo Stars drove forward in an attempt to get back into the game, but were unlucky in their endeavours and were promptly punished in the 78th minute when Austine Ogunye made it 3-0, effectively ending any possibility of a comeback by Blue Sky.
Bendel Insurance has now won all four games played this season, while Remo Stars has suffered its first loss of the season.
Insurance has surpassed Remo to take the lead in Group A with 12 points.
In the same vein, NPFL champions Rivers United sealed another away win after a come-from-behind win over Dakkada FC at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
United went, saw and defeated their hosts 2-1 in a week four encounter to seal their third win of the season in Uyo.
The Pride of Rivers’ two goals, scored by Naibe Akpesiri and Nyima Nwangwa, helped to cancel Isaac George’s early goal for Dakkada.
After a five-goal thriller against Dakkada last season, Stanley Eguma’s side have now their second consecutive game in Uyo.
Rivers United now has a four-point lead at the top of the Group B table after three victories and a draw in four games.
Meanwhile, the Match Day 4 games continue today with Enyimba hosting Kwara United while Akwa United host Plateau United.
Wikki Tourists will play host to Doma United just as Abia Warriors will be guests to Sunshine Stars. Niger Tornadoes trade tackles with Enugu Rangers while Lobi Stars clash with Bayelsa United.
Ek-Kanemi battle Shooting Stars in Ibadan while Nasarawa will seek its first league win against Gombe United.
