Bendel Insurance will remain top of the 2022/2023 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL group A standings after defeating Enyimba on Sunday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Imade Osarenkho scored the winner for the Edo Arsenals as they downed the People's Elephant by a goal to nil.
The trio of Imade, Divine Nwachukwu and Deputy Echeta had opportunities to put the host in the lead, but poor conversion and a good safe by goalkeeper, John Noble of Enyimba kept the score goalless.
Imade however made it count in the 23rd minute as he put his side ahead to the rapturous celebration of the home fans.
Insurance after the goal, pushed for more as Sarki Ismael and Imade almost increased the score margin, but Noble was on ground to save the moment.
Momentum switched towards the Aba side as they away side got two free kicks that almost changed the score line save for the crossbar and good goal keeping.
In the second half, Insurance didn't drop the momentum as they go for more goals as Micah Ojodomoh attempted to score and Imade made a case for a penalty in the 64th minute after he was seemed like an infringement.
After a missed a chance through a freekick for Enyimba, Insurance's Vincent Augustus who replaced Deputy at the beginning of the second half could have made it two, but he missed a glorious chance.
The Host did enough to keep the score in their favour till the end to win one nil and consolidate their top spot with seven wins and two draws as the league goes on a first half break.
Uche Dozie