Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin, Sunday suffered a 2-0 defeat in the hands of former league champions Plateau United in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
The Benin Arsenals with the 2-0 loss at the New Jos International Stadium, have suffered a back to back defeat following a 1-0 loss to Shooting Stars in Ibadan on Thursday last week.
Plateau United got the breakthrough goal courtesy of Alexander Enejo's classy strike in the 51st minute of the game. Barnabas Daniel doubled the lead for the hosts in the 67th minute of play following a defensive blunder.
The first half had ended in a goalless situation with good scoring chances created and also squandered by both sides, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Insurance coach Monday Odigie in his search for goals and improved performance made a tactical switch in the 60th minutes of play, substituting Osaghae Junior, Sarki Ismael, Kelly Oahimijie for Michael Enaruna, Divine Nwachukwu Wisdom Stephens. The changes, indeed raised the standard of play as Divine Nwanchukwu and former Bayelsa Utd midfielder Wisdom brought life to the midfield but their efforts were not enough to subdue their hosts.
Substitute Michael Enaruna also gave a good account of himself as his 76th minute strike almost decimated Plateau Utd lead as his shot hit the bar without goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso's response. Evans Ogbonda's fine freekick afterwards was another opportunity for Insurance to get a goal but goalkeeper Suraj dived at full length to push the ball off the goal line.
Recall that Bendel Insurance defeated Plateau Utd 1-0 in their first round meeting in Benin. Benjamin Tanimu scored the only goal of that match in the 15th of play to give Insurance the maximum points at home.
The Benin Arsenals will be looking to bounce back against Gombe Utd in Benin in the match day 24 on Friday, March 8 in a revised fixture. Their first meeting in Gombe ended 1-0 against Insurance.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola