ABA, NIGERIA — Bendel Insurance lost 3-0 to Abia Warriors on Sunday. The defeat is their heaviest this season. The match was Matchday Six of the 2026/27 NPFL season.
First Half Goals
Ikoi Ettah opened the scoring in the 16th minute. He headed home a cross from Effimi Nsi. Nsi provided another cross in the 23rd minute. Emeka Obioma headed it home to double the lead. Obioma scored again in the 40th minute. He put the hosts 3-0 ahead at halftime. The match held at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.
Second Half Substitutions
Coach Kennedy Boboye made changes at halftime. He brought on Terdoo Shimangande, Emmanuel Dung, and Henry Onyia. They replaced Stanley Okorom, Chinedu Nwosu, and Fatai Abdullahi. Kayode Oke and Efe Ubiomo also entered the game. The Benin Arsenals wanted to stabilise their formation. They also wanted to prevent more goals.
Insurance could not find a way back into the game. They settled for a heavy defeat. Bendel Insurance have now lost all three away fixtures this season. The Benin Arsenals remain fifth on the NPFL table with nine points.
Next Fixture
Bendel Insurance will look to recover from the defeat. They host FC Barau on Matchday Seven. The match holds at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. It is scheduled for Sunday, October 4.
The defeat is a setback for the Benin Arsenals. They started the season with promise. However, they have struggled on the road. Coach Boboye hopes his side can find their form at home. They have been stronger at home this season.
Abia Warriors will be happy with the victory. It moves them up the NPFL table. It also boosts their confidence before their next match. The Warriors have entertained fans all season. Their attack against Bendel Insurance will warn other teams.
For Bendel Insurance, the focus is now on FC Barau. They need a win to keep pace with the top teams. The Benin Arsenals will rely on their home support. As the season continues, they hope to move past this result. They also hope to build on their early-season promise.
