The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele has showered praises on Bendel Insurance FC following their emphatic 4-1 demolition of FC Barau in Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 7 clash at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The Benin Arsenal delivered a spectacular performance to hand FC Barau their very first defeat of the 2026/27 NPFL season, completely dismantling the visitors’ six-match unbeaten streak.
The hosts were relentless in their pursuit of maximum points, keeping fans on the edge of their seats with a dominant attacking display. Kayode Oke proved to be the star of the show, opening the scoring in the 34th minute and completing a brilliant brace in the 70th minute to give the hosts a comfortable 2-0 cushion.
The visitors found a brief lifeline in the 73rd minute when Aliu Sugau converted from the penalty spot following an infringement by Bendel Insurance captain Amas Obasogie. However, any hopes of a Barau comeback were swiftly extinguished when Suraju Lawal struck in the 85th minute to restore the two-goal advantage. Jonathan James then put the final nail in the coffin deep into stoppage time (90+4’), sealing a decisive 4-1 victory.
The vital home win has propelled Bendel Insurance to the fifth position on the NPFL log with 12 points, rapidly building momentum for their league campaign.
Reacting to the thrilling victory through his Media Aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele commended the players, the technical crew, and the management for their unwavering determination, cohesion, and fighting spirit.
“Today’s victory is very impressive, and I charge the players to remain focused on finishing at the top of the NPFL table,” Enabulele stated. “The players need to sustain this momentum, remain focused, and continue working collectively towards achieving the club’s target for the season. I also call on our teeming supporters to maintain their unwavering support for the team. The backing of the fans remains a vital part of the club’s campaign.”
The team’s masterclass did not go unnoticed by the state’s highest officials. Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa personally addressed the squad after the final whistle. Applauding their seamless teamwork and fluid display, he assured the players of the unwavering support of Governor Monday Okpebholo as they pursue league glory.
The high-stakes encounter was witnessed by a host of top dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor; Bendel Insurance FC Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe; former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Osamwonyi Evbaguehita Atu; and the Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prof. Ignatius Ikponmwosa Omorodion.
With confidence now surging through the camp, Benin Arsenal will be looking to carry this destructive form into their upcoming NPFL fixtures.
