Bendel Insurance announced their return to the Nigeria Premier Football League with a surprising 2-0 victory over Akwa United in the season opener at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.

Imade Osarenkhoe gave the Benin Arsenal the lead in the 40th minute, and Divine Nwachukwu extended the advantage four minutes later to give the visitors a 2-0 lead at the break.

The hosts controlled the tempo of the second half as they searched for a way back into the game in front of their nervous fans, but Insurance held on for a historic victory in their return to the Premier League.Information Guide Nigeria

Monday Odigie, the coach of Bendel Insurance, believes his squad capitalised on their opportunities despite the hosts’ relentless pressure.JAMB Result

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“NPFL is a big and tough League. Irrespective of the result in our favour, we are going back to work on our weaknesses and strengthen the boys mentally. Our opponents were more tactical and experienced. Faith just smiled at us and we took our chances and were also lucky to go away with the 2-0 victory. We will go back to prepare better ahead of stronger challenges,” Odigie said.NYSC Portal

Akwa United coach, Deji Ayeni, however, rued the errors of his players.

“We made a lot of mistakes and the god of soccer was not on our side. First and home game loss is a wake-up call. We were better in the second half but the damage was already done in the first half. No team is invincible. It depends on the response of the players. My boys are not bad. We only need to psyche the players up to be able to recover from the shock and face future challenges well,” Ayeni said.Jamb Portal

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