Bendel Insurance FC of Benin was gallant in defeat as they narrowly lost to Gateway Utd FC 1-0 today at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun state.
It was the Benin Arsenals’ first defeat of the 2021/2022 Nigeria National League( NNL)season, they suffered under very high temperature and bumpy pitch at the MKO Abiola Stadium.
James Oronsaye’s 61st-minute goal was the only goal of the match that gave the home team the maximum points. The goal was considered too cheap to go past the Benin Arsenals’ goalkeeper Kolawole Oladipo.
The last touch from Gateway striker led to the award of the corner kick that gave Gateway the goal looked undeflected.
In his thirst for positive results, Insurance handler Monday Odigie made four substitutions, as he allowed the new acquisition of Diepreye Duokumo to lead his attack with Ifeanyi Iheme, Taiwo Oripelaye and Sarki Ismael who gave a good account of themselves. The introduction of the trio raised the tempo of the Insurance game as they took the game to their host in the last quarter of the game, but could not salvage the situation.
Football fans at the MKO Abiola Stadium however questioned most of the decisions and calls by the centre referee, one of which was the corner kick call that led to the goal against Insurance. They described the referee as a match killer after awarding a corner kick instead of a goal kick to Insurance.
Insurance with eight points after five games have now lost their leadership position in the Southern Conference Group B1 to Gateway Utd who now have nine points.
It is a busy week for the teams as Insurance are scheduled to host another Westside team Ekiti Utd in Benin on Saturday. The time is 6.00 PM as usual.
Photos: Adeniyi Muyiwa Sirmayor
