NPFL MD17: Late Rangers Goal Forces 1–1 Draw Against Bendel Insurance in Benin

Bendel Insurance were prevented from claiming all three points at home on Sunday after Rangers International struck deep into stoppage time to earn a 1–1 draw in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 17 clash at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

The opening half finished without goals, though Bendel Insurance dominated possession and territory, while Rangers posed occasional threats from wide areas. The hosts’ backline, led by captain Efe Enabulele and supported by Promise Itoro and Chigozie Dennis, stood firm to neutralise the visitors.

After the interval, Insurance head coach Kennedy Boboye adjusted his tactics, bringing on Austin Osayande for Elmer Arunta, before introducing Promise Anyanwu and Jacob John in a double change in the 65th minute.

The hosts eventually found the breakthrough in the 81st minute. Substitute Anyanwu calmly converted after Kayode Oke regained possession from a blocked shot and supplied a low cross that cut through the Rangers defence.

However, Rangers snatched a late equaliser in the 93rd minute when Chidozie Iwundu’s fierce free kick deflected off Henry Oyian and wrong-footed the goalkeeper to level the score.

The result brought an end to Insurance’s recent positive run, which included a 1–0 away victory over Katsina United and a convincing 3–0 home win against Wikki Tourists. Bendel Insurance now occupy 14th position on the NPFL standings with 20 points.

They are set to travel to Abeokuta to take on defending champions Remo Stars in their Matchday 18 fixture at the MKO Abiola Stadium on December 21.

The draw also underlined Insurance’s struggles against Rangers in recent meetings, with the Benin side recording just one win in their last six NPFL encounters against the Enugu club, alongside two draws and four defeats.

Speaking after the match, Boboye expressed disappointment over missed opportunities and his team’s difficulties in front of goal, but assured that efforts would continue to improve their league position before the close of the first stanza.