By Amaechi Agbo
Bendel Insurance Football Club, Sunday afternoon had their strength renewed as they defeated Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi 2-1 in the match day 35 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to rekindle their hope for continental tournament this season.
Mercurial winger Dung Emmanuel gave the Benin Arsenals a deserved lead 11 minutes into the game in a goal mouth scramble ,following a long throw from Henry Oyian which the host defenders could not curtain.
In the 24th minute of action,Jonathan Mairiga got an equaliser for Wikki Tourists to tie the game at 1-1 before going into the halftime break on equal terms.
On resumption of the second half, Insurance FC took the game to the host and their spirited efforts paid off in the 55th minute when new midfield revelation Efe Ubiomo headed home the second goal and sealed victory for the Benin Arsenals.
Tourists however put up some determined fightback effort but Insurance FC defenders were alive to their responsibility and remained resilient throughout the remaining part of the game.
The Benin Arsenals ,returned to winning ways after a back to back draws with Warri Wolves, Plateau United and 4-0 defeat to Kano Pillars, beating Abia Warriors 1-0 in the match day 34 of the Nigeria Premier Football League before their trip. to Jos for the important award maximum points.
In their first round meeting in Benin, Insurance FC thrashed Wikki Tourists FC 3-0.
The Benin Arsenals however jumped to 4th on the league table with 52 points immediately after the away victory and they will be at home as host to Katsina United in two weeks time for the match day 36 fixture in Benin.
