By Hananeel Jackson
Bayelsa United on Saturday suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Bendel Insurance Fc in matchday ten encounter in group B2 of the Southern conference of the Nigeria National League NNL played at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin city.
The tie which produced four goals also witnessed violations of COVID 19 protocols with over three hundred supporters of Bendel Insurance at the stadium to cheer the home team.
Elijah Simon gave Bendel Insurance the lead two minutes into the game from a poor defending from returnee Endurance Ebedebiri.
Robert Mizo restored parity for Bayelsa United four minutes later from Favour Martins’ cross as the hosts got into the game after the leveller on 26 minutes when Bayelsa United goalkeeper Issiaka Ogoubiye saved Sarki Ismail’s shot.
Eight minutes later, Sarki Ismail gave the “Obaseki Boys” the lead from what seemed like an offside position but was overlooked by the assistant referee and centre referee.
However, the Yenagoa based side almost got an equaliser before half-time but Okardi Inikurogha’s weak effort was unable to cross goal line.
Apparently not satisfied with the outcome of the of the game, coach Diprieye Teibowei introduced Victory Beniangba for Animashaun Lateef and Timothy Zuobemi in place of Favour Martins. The hosts followed suit as two players were pulled off for Sunday Anyanwu and Osaimuyi Edeyaru.
When it seemed that getting a point in Benin was going to be possible, Insurance increased the tally after Victory Beniangba was dispossessed of the ball as Osaimuyi Edeyaru sealed victory for the home team on 75 minutes from counter a attack.
The result moved Bendel Insurance to seventeen points after nine games as the Edo Arsenal will now travel to Umuahia to face Abia Comets while Bayelsa United who currently occupy the fourth position with fourteen points will next entertain Joy Cometh of Lagos.