Bendel Insurance head coach, Greg Ikhenoba, has expressed mixed feelings despite his team’s 1-0 victory over Enyimba International in their rescheduled NPFL matchday 20 on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. While he was pleased with the result, he highlighted concerns about his team’s wastefulness in front of goal.
The lone goal of the encounter secured an important three points for Bendel Insurance, helping them climb to 15th on the NPFL table. However, Ikhenoba believes the team must improve their efficiency in converting chances if they are to maintain a steady climb away from the relegation zone.
"I give glory to God and thank the boys for this win," Ikhenoba said in his post-match interview. "We created a lot of opportunities, but our finishing still needs improvement. It’s something we have to work on moving forward."
The victory was crucial for Bendel Insurance, who had been struggling in recent weeks. Facing a formidable opponent like Enyimba, the team put up a solid defensive display while also dominating parts of the game. However, their inability to put the game to bed left Ikhenoba worried about future fixtures.
Enyimba, on the other hand, suffered their second consecutive defeat, raising concerns about their form in the league. The People’s Elephant had some promising moments but failed to break down the resilient Bendel Insurance defense.
Fans at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium witnessed an intense battle, with Bendel Insurance creating the better chances. However, a combination of poor finishing and Enyimba’s defensive efforts kept the scoreline tight until the final whistle.
With this result, the Benin Arsenals will look to build momentum in their upcoming matches. Ikhenoba and his coaching staff will be keen on addressing the team’s attacking inefficiencies before their next fixture.
For Enyimba, the defeat adds pressure on head coach Stanley Eguma, who will now need to find solutions to his team’s struggles. The nine-time NPFL champions have shown inconsistency this season.
The NPFL season is still long, but both teams must improve if they are to achieve their respective goals. Bendel Insurance will hope this win serves as a turning point, while Enyimba must quickly regroup to avoid further setbacks.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Ikhenoba’s efforts to refine his squad’s attacking play and on Enyimba’s response to their recent struggles. The coming weeks will be crucial for both sides in shaping their league campaign.
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