NPFL24: Insurance Suffer 1-0 Defeat At Katsina Utd, Host Abia Warriors Dec 21

BENDEL Insurance Football Club of Benin on Saturday suffered a 1-0 defeat to Katsina Utd in the first fixture of the Match Day 14 games of the Nigeria Premier Football League, making it their second defeat in the North this season.

Insurance in a similar circumstance, surrendered all three points to Gombe Utd after a 1-0 loss in the match day four encounter at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe.

In the 75th minute of play at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina,Chidera Eze converted a spot kick to give the Chanji Boys the maximum points,following a controversial penalty awarded by the center referee Abubakar Abdullahi.

Insurance right back Ebuka Akonbudu had successfully cleared the ball off the control of the Katsina Utd’s striker in the challenge but was surprised to be penalized when the referee pointed to the spot.

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It was however an interesting and actions packed game as the Benin Arsenals gave a good account of themselves against the muscular Chanji Boys.

Coach Monday Odigie made double substitutions in the 80th minute of play in his search for an equalizer, bringing on Raymond Ikhenoba and Christopher Junior for impressive Chisom Okereke and Paul Obata but that could not change the result.

The Benin Arsenals, with the result,remain on 20 points,going back to Benin to prepare ahead of Match Day 15 tie against Abia Warriors FC.

Recall that the Match Day 15 fixtures have been readjusted by the league management body. Insurance FC,Abia Warriors game originally scheduled for Saturday, December 23 has been rescheduled to hold on Thursday, December 21 at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin. Kick off time is 4 Pm.

In a post match interview, the head coach and Technical Director of Bendel Insurance FC Monday Odigie, praised his boys for their tireless efforts.