Reigning Nigeria Premier Football League champions Remo Stars suffered a surprise 3–2 home defeat to Bendel Insurance at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, in a thrilling encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports
The visitors stunned the home crowd early when Wisdom Udom opened the scoring in the 14th minute, putting Bendel Insurance ahead against the run of play.
Bendel doubled their advantage in the 26th minute through Henry Onyia, who finished clinically to leave the champions reeling. Remo Stars responded almost immediately as Adeleke Adeleye pulled one back two minutes later, reducing the deficit and reigniting hope for the hosts.
However, Bendel Insurance restored their two-goal cushion in the 40th minute when Henry Onyia struck again, netting his second of the game to make it 3–1 before the break.
Remo Stars came out strongly in the second half and created several chances. Victor Mbaoma found the net in the 60th minute to cut the deficit once more and set up a tense final half-hour.
Earlier, the hosts had come close to scoring when Mbaoma’s effort struck the side netting before Alex Oyowah’s follow-up was comfortably gathered by the Bendel Insurance goalkeeper. Remo Stars were later denied an equaliser in the 66th minute when Ahmed Akinyele’s effort crashed against the woodwork.
Despite sustained pressure from the champions, Bendel Insurance held firm to claim a famous away victory, handing Remo Stars a rare home defeat.
Uche Dozie