By Kadiri Christopher
Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin,on Sunday returned to winning ways in the Nigeria Premier Football League with a 1-0 victory over table toppers Remo Stars of Ikenne 1-0 in Benin.
Sarki Ismael scored the only goal of the match for the Benin Arsenals in the match day seven fixture,in the 24th minute of play. Sarki's long range strike from the right flank of the field caught Remo Stars Goalie Charles Tambe of guard, sending the home fans into jubilation at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin.
Insurance FC continued to dictate the pace of the game till the end of the first half. They continued with their dominance in the second half until about 70th minute of play when the Daniel Ogunmodede side came out of their Shells to pull some strings but all to no avail.
The Benin Arsenals impressive performance and victory over the Sky Blue side did not happen without tough resistance from the visitors who however caused some scare. The Insurers survived the first big scare in the 77th minute when the Remo hitman Sikiru Alimi missed an open net chance following a through pass that crossed Insurance goal mouth untouched,as his strike went wide.
The second invasion by the Sky Blue boys was when Jide Fatokun fired a well propelled rocket that braced through to the net in the 84th minute of play but was cancelled due to the foul throw already committed by his teammate.
While the controversial goal was being celebrated by Remo Stars, the Assistant Referee remained firm in keeping his flag up and informed the center referee that it was a foul throw.
Expectedly, distraught Remo Stars side caused a stir temporarily in their reaction to the referees call which led to eight minutes extra play time added after 90 minutes regulation time.
In a post match interview, the Head coach and Technical Director of Bendel Insurance FC Monday Odigie appreciated the efforts of his boys. He admitted that Insurance have been battling with fixing the strikers department after the exit of their goal poacher Imade Osarenkhoe and few others.
Coach Odigie expressed the optimism that Insurance FC will get better as the league progresses, noting that his team is work in progress.
Also speaking, the head coach of Remo Stars Daniel Ogunmodede expressed his displeasure over the goal that did not stand, saying that it was superb but admitted that he did not see the action of his player that led to the referees response.
He maintained that it was the duty of the referees to be firm in their decisions as they are the ones who follow and see the players and their actions than other persons.
Coach Ogunmodede, however gave kudos to Bendel Insurance defenders.
" We came with our game plan to win and my players did very well especially in the second half but Insurance defenders showed character. They were solid. I must give it to them. They were crazy and didn't allow anything come near their goal area. " Ogunmodede said.
The slim victory over Remo Stars has now pushed the Benin Arsenals to the sixth position on the log with ten points from five outings.
In another development, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe has continued with his outstanding support to the reigning Benin Arsenal by throwing gifts to the Most Valuable Player of every match played at home.
Commending Ismael Sarki, the scorer of the lone goal of the match who also was the named the Man of the Match, Alenkhe said, "this token is to encourage you to be more committed to winning games for the Bendel Insurance FC and also to make Edo State proud of you".
A cash some of #50,000 and a transparent plaque was gifted Sarki.
The Benin Arsenals are scheduled to be guests to Doma Utd in their rescheduled match day six game on Wednesday at the Pantami stadium,Gombe.
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